Mission Area
Theater Defense
Revolutionizing the Art of Defense
Johns Hopkins APL’s Theater Defense Mission Area creates innovative and effective system solutions to defend forward-deployed U.S. forces, allies, and partners across the globe from the threat of air and missile attack. Building on our legacy of addressing emerging threats posed by advanced aircraft and cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic missiles, we develop, engineer, test, and transition solutions that address critical warfighting challenges in highly contested theaters.
Leadership
Vishal Giare Sector Head, Air and Missile Defense; Mission Area Executive (Acting), Theater Defense
Learn more about Vishal GiareRecent News
Press Release
Jul 15, 2025
Giare Named Head of Johns Hopkins APL’s Air and Missile Defense Sector
Vishal Giare has been appointed head of APL’s Air and Missile Defense Sector, where he will lead APL’s efforts to advance the nation’s ability to defend our homeland, deployed forces, allies and partners against increasingly complex adversary threats.
News
Jan 23, 2025
Johns Hopkins APL’s Van Wie Honored for National Security Leadership
APL Air and Missile Defense Sector Head Dave Van Wie was recognized at two events by his alma mater, the University of Maryland A. James Clark School of Engineering, for his long record of national service, professional leadership and success.
Press Release
Jul 25, 2024
Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits Johns Hopkins APL
Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby visited APL on July 24 along with members of his staff.