APL’s Air and Missile Defense programs are making critical technical contributions to meet the critical challenges facing DoD acquisition managers and operational commanders. Through their application of advanced science and technology and disciplined approach to system engineering, these programs work to enhance the operational capabilities of the Services’ and DoD’s air and missile defense systems.

The staff working in these programs are focused on devising practical solutions to the ever-present challenges of countering high-performance ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and threat aircraft in force, theater and global operational environments. Our work comprises research, development, engineering, and test and evaluation of current and future air and missile defense systems and their technologies. The foundation of this work began more than 60 years ago and was the core purpose for establishing the Applied Physics Laboratory.

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