Christopher Lynch

Christopher Lynch is a Senior Operations Researcher at RAND Corporation and holds the academic rank of Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy. His work focuses on defense-related systems analysis, including missile defense, electronic warfare, and aerospace strategy. Prior to RAND, he worked at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, specializing in radar and electronic attack system modeling.

His research interests include the application of operations research to military challenges such as airbase resilience against missile threats, strategic deterrence in space, and the integration of commercial space services into U.S. defense operations. He has contributed to tools like the Defensive Space Analysis Tool (DSPAT) to evaluate space control options.

Recent work emphasizes mission resilience in contested environments, including analyzing U.S. Air Force basing vulnerabilities and Russian strategic evolution. His publications bridge technical analysis with policy recommendations for modernizing defense capabilities against emerging threats from China and Russia.