Douglas Matty Shifts to Lead High-Tech Missile Defense

Douglas Matty, a senior official within the Department of Defense’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO), will soon be departing his position to take on a new role focused on enhancing U.S. missile defense systems. As reported by DefenseScoop in the article titled “DoD’s Douglas Matty departing to work on Golden Dome,” Matty is transitioning to support the Pentagon’s high-tech “Golden Dome” initiative—a classified effort aimed at revolutionizing homeland and national missile defense operations through emerging technologies.

Matty has served as the Deputy Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer for Digital and Data (DDAO-DD), a key leadership position within the CDAO, since its formation in 2022. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in the Defense Department’s efforts to unify data operations and accelerate digital modernization across the military services. His work focused on developing enterprise data strategies, strengthening the Pentagon’s AI infrastructure, and facilitating multi-domain operational readiness.

The CDAO, which was established to integrate AI, data, and digital tools across the department, has played an increasingly central role in DOD’s modernization planning. Matty’s departure marks one of the most high-profile changes within the office in recent months, with observers noting the significance of his move to a top-secret missile defense program.

The Golden Dome effort, while not publicly detailed, is believed to leverage artificial intelligence, command-and-control automation, and sensor fusion to strengthen defensive capabilities against hypersonic weapons, aerial threats, and ballistic missiles. By aligning with this project, Matty is expected to bring his extensive expertise in digital and data architectures to a traditionally hardware-focused area of defense.

In statements shared with DefenseScoop and internal DOD communications, colleagues pointed to Matty’s deep understanding of systems integration and called his contributions foundational to the CDAO’s operational momentum. His experience at the intersection of technology development and national security strategy makes him an asset in shaping what could be a generational leap forward in U.S. missile defense capability.

Matty’s transition comes as the Department of Defense intensifies its focus on interagency cooperation and next-generation solutions to deter near-peer adversaries. The shift signals not only an investment in talent but also an affirmation of the Pentagon’s commitment to high-speed innovation driven by artificial intelligence and data-centric design.

While Matty’s replacement at the DDAO-DD role has not yet been named, officials within the CDAO have indicated that continuity in leadership and mission execution will remain a priority. His move is emblematic of a broader trend within the department—one where digital transformation leaders are being tasked with increasingly high-stakes national defense missions.