Russian Military Turns to Motorbikes to Outmaneuver Ukrainian Drones

The Russian military is planning to increase the use of small squads on motorcycles and quadbikes on the frontlines in Ukraine as it plans fresh offensives, according to the Ukrainian military and analysts of the conflict.

The Russian Defense Ministry released video On Saturdays, they showcased teams rehearsing strategies in pairs or trios of motorcycles. A rider was observed maneuvering through a path accompanied by an intense, rhythmic electronic music backdrop.

For over a year, Russian troops have employed motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in various frontline regions to avoid detection by Ukrainian drones. However, the Institute for the Study of War based in Washington asserts that the most recent Russian footage suggests the possibility that their armed forces might be formulating a strategic approach for the consistent use of these motorcycles offensively and could potentially distribute even greater numbers of them.

Ukraine expects a major Russian offensive in the next few months as Moscow tries to capture more territory before any ceasefire agreement.

The Ukrainian armed forces refer to the motorcycle raids as 'banzai attacks.' Earlier this month, one Ukrainian commander, Andriy Otchenash, mentioned that these motorcycles are intended for rapid Blitzkrieg-style advances. "They can move swiftly and penetrate deep into enemy territory," he explained, adding however that the casualties among Russian forces have been significant.

“The indication is that the adversary lacks substantial military offensive resources; however, this also reflects an adjustment to wartime circumstances,” stated the Ukrainian Center for Strategic Communication.

On Saturday, the Ukrainian armed forces reported successfully thwarting a Russian attack on the village of Bahatyr in the Donbas region. They claimed to have destroyed around 15 motorbikes and eliminated approximately 40 Russian troops during this engagement. The military also disseminated video of drones taking out several motorcycles in the open country.

In February, the Ukrainian military stated that the Russians had increased their use of quads bikes around Chasiv Yar, which is located in Donetsk as well. The area has seen minimal movement along the front lines over the last twelve months.

A Ukrainian military spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Pavlo Shamshyn, noted that motorbikes presented a dual-edged sword for Russian forces. While their agility and swiftness allowed them to dodge Ukrainian drones, the bikes' loudness made it difficult for drivers to detect these aerial devices approaching.

State-run Russian media outlets have been highlighting the benefits of motorcycle units. Last week, RT (Russia Today) covered how these bikers were laying landmines and featured an interview with a soldier from the 39th Guards Motorized Rifles Brigade, who belongs to this newly formed motorized unit.

Our primary strength lies in our ability to charge right into [the adversary's location] and take out everybody," he stated. The adversaries "are met with the thundering sound of the motorbikes, which instills fear within them. This leads them to leave their posts and flee.

The Russian armed forces are employing motorcycles for evacuating casualties as well. According to reports from the previous week on the Defense Ministry’s Telegram channel under Zvezda, Russian Marines engaged in combat operations within the Kursk area have been utilizing off-road bikes to transport both civilians and injured troops. Footage captured this scene showing a serviceman being placed onto the rear of such a motorcycle amidst muddy terrain.

The previous year, the UK’s Defence Ministry reported an increase in Russian use of off-road motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles for nighttime assaults. However, they also pointed out that Ukrainian first-person view (FPV) drones, designed to strike targets directly, had shown just how exposed these unshielded vehicles could be.

Towards the end of 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin examined domestically-configured all-terrain vehicles manufactured in China that were being acquired for the Russian military. By then, approximately 500 such vehicles had been deployed, with the Defense Ministry placing an additional order for roughly 1,500 units.

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