Strategy and Analysis
Dedicated to the defense of the nation
Since our founding in 1942, ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ APL has proudly served a special role for the United States as a cornerstone research and analysis institution for some of our most critical defense technologies.
As threats to our national security have emerged, evolved, and even sometimes resurfaced after years of dormancy, our methods to counter these pressing threats have also changed, no matter the operational environment. To meet these changing challenges, we call upon our deep expertise in a number of technical domains, both cutting edge and foundational, across the Lab.
Additionally, our rigorous, technically informed analysis shapes technology and national security investments, and enables senior government leaders to respond to current and emerging threats.
Related Projects
AI-Driven Wargaming
Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and modeling and simulation to streamline the wargaming process—from design and development to setup and execution—and amplify the value and impact of these critical exercises
Better Options for Data Analytics
The open-architecture tool we developed for U.S. Special Operations Command’s Science and Technology Directorate limits dependence on a single vendor and enables the command to evaluate data analysis and visualization tools against defined data and interfaces.
Countering Anti-Access, Area-Denial Threats
APL is an established, critical partner of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Strategic Capabilities Office, which provides lower-cost, strategic alternatives for shaping and countering emerging threats.
Deployed with the Fleet
In 2017, APL staff members deployed on U.S. Navy Commander, Task Force 70 (CTF-70) patrols aboard the carrier USS Ronald Reagan—an assignment that allowed our engineers to experience the fleet’s challenges and operational workflows, and gather important data to feed future analyses and technology demonstrations in operationally relevant environments.
Engaging Senior Decision-Makers
APL partnered with the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics to design and execute a space wargame based on a rigorous analytical framework.
Ensuring Resilient Enabling Capabilities in Denied Environments
On behalf of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, APL is merging technical capabilities with acquisition strategy to mitigate adversary threats to command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) in the maritime, terrestrial, air, space, and cyber domains.
Modeling Warfighter Decision-Making
Working with technical consultants and the Navy fighter aircraft community, we created a pilot-behavior model for air-to-air combat.
Shaping the Joint Future Operating Environment
On behalf of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, APL led development of the Joint Future Operating Environment, which lays the foundation for force development across the services.
Space Security and Defense
APL provides expertise to the Space Security and Defense program, a joint Department of Defense/Office of the Director of National Intelligence organization focused on creating a more resilient and enduring national security space 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.
Related News
News
Aug 7, 2025
ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ APL Takes a Quantum Approach to Tracking Online Trends
APL researchers have demonstrated that a quantum algorithm can be used to speed up an information analysis task that classical computers struggle to perform.
Press Release
May 2, 2025
ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ APL Publishes Report on Nation’s First Space Weather Simulation Exercise
APL recently released the report on the nation’s first space weather tabletop exercise held last year, which simulated a severe space weather event. The report identifies key findings and recommendations for improving the nation’s response to space weather events.
News
Apr 7, 2025
ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ APL Team Applies Expertise to Homeland Defense Wargame
A team from APL played a central role in a recent Defense Department wargame that addressed the challenges of protecting logistics infrastructure against growing adversarial threats.
News
Mar 3, 2025
Generative AI Wargaming Promises to Accelerate Mission Analysis
A team at ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ APL is creating an artificial intelligence-driven capability that automates much of the work that goes into designing, setting up, developing and running wargames. The effort holds promise to dramatically amplify the impact and value of wargames and similar exercises for the military and other government agencies.
Press Release
Jul 9, 2024
ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ APL Conducts Exercise to Simulate Global Asteroid Impact Response
NASA has released a summary of the fifth iteration of a Planetary Defense U.S. Government Interagency Tabletop Exercise, which was held at APL in April. The two-day exercise brought together domestic and international leaders to discuss, coordinate and evaluate a global response to a simulated asteroid impact threat to Earth.