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8mo ago

Russia Develops Motorcycle Combat Tactics as Casualties Mount in Ukraine

Moscow prepares to integrate motorcycles into summer and fall offensives to counter Ukrainian drone dominance, despite heavy losses in recent assaults.

Russian soldiers ride a motorbike past destroyed houses in the village of Kazachya Loknya, which was previously held by Ukrainian troops and recently retaken by Russia's armed forces, in the Sudzha district of the Kursk region on March 18, 2025, amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
Participants attend a ceremony to hand over new motocross bikes to the Russian military near a football stadium in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, November 28, 2024.
Participants load motorcycles into a truck during a ceremony to hand over to the Russian military in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, November 28, 2024.
Recruits of the 1430th Guards Motorised Rifle Regiment ride motorbikes during combat training in the Zaporizhzhia sector of the frontline on October 18, 2024. This image was provided to AP by a third party and could not be independently verified.

Overview

  • The Russian Defense Ministry released footage of paratroopers training in offensive and defensive motorcycle tactics, signaling a shift toward systematic integration of motorcycles in combat.
  • The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Russia aims to use motorcycles to enhance speed and maneuverability, mitigating losses from Ukrainian drone strikes on armored vehicles.
  • Ukrainian forces repelled a recent Russian motorbike assault in Bahatyr, destroying 15 motorcycles and killing approximately 40 soldiers, highlighting the vulnerability of this tactic.
  • Motorcycles are also being employed by Russian forces for logistical roles, including evacuation of wounded soldiers and civilians in frontline regions like Kursk.
  • Analysts suggest the tactic reflects Russia's adaptation to equipment shortages and the challenges of modern drone warfare, though its effectiveness remains questionable.