Revolution in Military Affairs Michael Kofman on the Russo-Ukraine War and the State of Military Thought
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Aug 4, 2025 
Michael Kofman, Director of the Russia Studies Program at the Center for Naval Analyses and an expert on Russian military affairs, delves into the complexities of the Russo-Ukraine War. He discusses the adaptive strategies employed by both Ukrainian and Russian forces, emphasizing the pivotal roles of drones and logistics. Kofman also critiques misconceptions about military precision and the challenges organizations face in adapting to new technologies. A humorous exploration of beards in the military adds a light-hearted twist to serious discussions on modern warfare.
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Russia's Dispersed Assaults And Ukrainian Defense
- The Russian offensive in Ukraine consists of dispersed infantry assaults with small groups exploiting porous Ukrainian front lines.
- Ukraine counters by using drones and artillery to target gaps, avoiding holding dense trench lines.
The Complex Reality Of Drone Warfare
- Employing drones requires significant manpower and complex force structures; automation is limited in current conflicts.
- Drones operate within networks; maintaining communications and countering enemy drones are essential challenges.
Context Matters For Lessons Learned
- Always consider the phase and context of the war when drawing lessons from drone effectiveness or any other tactic.
- Avoid oversimplified conclusions; early static phases differ greatly from ongoing conflict dynamics.