Michael Kofman
Senior Research Scientist
BIOGRAPHY
Michael Kofman is an expert on Russia, Eurasia and Pakistan. His research focuses on security issues in Russia and the former Soviet Union, specializing in defense and military analysis.
Kofman has advised senior military and government officials on Russia, Eurasia and Pakistan and represented the Department of Defense on numerous occasions before foreign officials and dignitaries. In addition to his role at CNA, he is a Kennan Institute Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center. Kofman has published numerous articles on security issues in Eurasia, specifically Russia and Ukraine, and has appeared as a featured guest on broadcast news programs throughout the country.
Kofman holds an M.A. in Security Studies with a concentration in International Security from Georgetown University and a B.A. in International Affairs and Political Science from Northeastern University. He is fluent in Russian.
RECENT NEWS
November 24, 2018Michael Kofman says, “The question is not whose fighter is stealthier, the question is how stealthy are our aircraft relative to their long-wave UHF/VHF radars, designed more to return a holistic signature image of low observable aircraft.”
The National Interest: “What the Marines Think of the F-35: It ‘Kills Everything’”
November 9, 2018Michael Kofman says, “The question is not who’s fighter is stealthier, the question is how stealthy are our aircraft relative to their long-wave UHF/VHF radars, designed more to return a holistic signature image of low observable aircraft.”
The National Interest: “The Marines Love the F-35 So Much They Gave it a Nickname: Velociraptor”
Michael Kofman says, “Low observation is far short of invisibility, but if this element of fifth-generation aircraft technology is 'paper fiction,' then why is Russia building the PAK-FA, dreaming about the PAK-DA, and the same can be said of Chinese prototypes in development.”
The National Interest: “Russia Thinks Stealth Fighters Like the F-22 and F-35 are ‘Paper Fiction’”
November 8, 2018Michael Kofman says, “The question is not who’s fighter is stealthier, the question is how stealthy are our aircraft relative to their long-wave UHF/VHF radars, designed more to return a holistic signature image of low observable aircraft.”
The National Interest: “The Marines Love the F-35 So Much They Gave it a Nickname: Velociraptor”
November 1, 2018Michael Kofman writes, “The crux of my argument remains that a U.S. division on Poland’s borders will not positively contribute to deterrence, has little relevance to a prospective war with Russia — given the current character of war, and is unnecessary when considering Russian force posture.”
War on the Rocks: “Revise and Resubmit: An Unconvincing Proposal for Permanent U.S. Troops in Poland”
October 30, 2018Michael Kofman says, “The greatest danger a Russian ship faces is not from adversaries at sea, but from Russia’s own shipbuilding and overhaul facilities, where many a ship has been lost or damaged in such accidents over the years.”
Los Angeles Times: “Russia's Only Aircraft Carrier, in Port for Upgrades, Is Damaged in Dock Accident”
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Foreign MilitariesForeign PolicyEuropeRussia
