ISR Technology
Revolutionizing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems
We develop, prototype, and transition state-of-the-art capabilities to revolutionize intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems and technologies. We provide comprehensive engineering expertise and experience to devise solutions to mission-critical challenges in defense and disaster response.
Related Projects
Enhanced Mapping and Positioning System (EMAPS)
EMAPS, a portable mapping system carried in a backpack, uses sensors and lasers to create annotated maps in spaces where GPS is not available, such as underground or on ships.
Integrated Undersea Surveillance Systems
We are solving critical challenges for the Navy’s undersea surveillance community, making contributions such as active and passive sonar processing algorithms for inclusion in the Advanced Surveillance Build tactical sonar modernization program.
Precision Targeting
Working to ensure that ground forces can rapidly and accurately provide GPS locations of battlefield targets, APL performed design analyses and developed procedures that resulted in the successful testing of the Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS) and improvements to the system’s precision geolocation capability.
Submarine Survivability Program
The SSN/SSGN survivability program ensures our submarines stay hidden regardless of new technology, changing mission requirements, and increasingly sophisticated adversaries.
Wave Glider Demonstration
For the first time, we used the commercially developed Wave Glider to demonstrate how quickly the Navy can field new sensor systems.
Related News
Press Release
Aug 5, 2025
Design Standard Update Improves Modular Architecture for Unmanned Platforms
Revision 6.1 of the Modular Payload Design Standard, developed by a collaborative team of government and industry partners led by Johns Hopkins APL, marks a significant evolution in the way electronic warfare, signals intelligence and communications payloads are conceived, integrated and sustained across unmanned and dismounted platforms.
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.
News
Dec 4, 2024
From the Battlefield to Breast Cancer Detection, Johns Hopkins APL Technologies Find Dual Impact
APL researchers used artificial intelligence and two APL-patented imaging technologies to improve the accuracy and efficiency of breast cancer screening. The imaging technologies were originally created for satellite and military applications.
News
Aug 22, 2024
From Tool to Teammate: Opening the Aperture on Human-Robot Teaming
Researchers are using generative artificial intelligence and cutting-edge scene-mapping technology to elevate robots from simple tools to full teammates capable of providing aid in disaster and battlefield scenarios.
Press Release
Aug 15, 2024
Johns Hopkins APL and U.S. Coast Guard Expand National Defense, Maritime Security Partnership
APL and the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center in New London, Connecticut, have signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding to team up on addressing critical technology challenges in national defense and maritime security.