Mission Area
Homeland Defense
Johns Hopkins APL’s Homeland Defense Mission Area develops innovative and effective solutions to defend the U.S. homeland and its critical infrastructure from increasingly diverse and sophisticated adversary threats. As offensive systems that can endanger our homeland emerge and evolve, APL envisions and creates critical defense technologies that will protect our nation. We develop cutting-edge solutions to support the missions of the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security to secure the United States from threat.
Leadership
Vishal Giare Sector Head, Air and Missile Defense; Mission Area Executive (Acting), Theater Defense
Learn more about Vishal Giare
Andrew Oak Mission Area Executive, Homeland Defense
Learn more about Andrew OakHighlights
ACAS X: Airborne Collision Avoidance for the 21st Century
APL researchers played a leading role in the development of ACAS X—a collision avoidance system onboard all international commercial aircraft that will replace existing systems as they are retired.
Recent 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.
Press Release
Jun 18, 2025
USNORTHCOM Commander’s Visit Spotlights Johns Hopkins APL’s Proactive Role in Homeland Defense
Gen. Gregory Guillot, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, saw firsthand how APL’s advanced technologies and cross-agency expertise support emerging national security priorities, including integrated air and missile defense, multidomain awareness and counter-drone operations.
Press Release
Jun 3, 2025
Gen. Glen D. VanHerck Joins Johns Hopkins APL as Senior Advisor
Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, retired, has joined APL as senior advisor focused on homeland defense. VanHerck brings extensive leadership experience in defense and national security, having previously served as commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.