Russian soldiers at the frontline in Ukraine, Photo: Alexey Maishev / Sputnik
The Russian army is preparing for the large-scale use of motorcycles in offensive operations against Ukraine in the summer and autumn of 2025. This is stated in a new report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
According to analysts, motorcycle tactics are meant to be a response to Ukraine’s massive use of kamikaze drones and FPV drones, which are effective in destroying heavy equipment. Motorcycles allow for faster manoeuvring on the battlefield and reduce the time spent in the UAV’s strike zone. However, experts point out that the noise of motorcycles makes it difficult to detect the approach of drones, which creates new risks for the Russian military.
The institute points to a video published by the Russian Ministry of Defence on 26 April: soldiers of the 299th Airborne Regiment of the 98th Division are practising attack tactics in small mobile groups of two or three people. According to ISW, this indicates that Russian troops are moving to systematic training of motorcycle units and possible massive purchases of motorcycles for the war.
The Ukrainian side has also recorded active training of Russians. According to Pavlo Shamshyn, a spokesman for the Kharkiv military grouping, intelligence has spotted Russian soldiers training for combat on motorcycles. He noted that motorcycles provide increased speed and manoeuvrability, which is critical at the front with a large number of attack drones.
However, ISW analysts remind: Russia has resorted to such tactics not only because of the desire to increase the effectiveness of assaults, but also because of the heavy losses of armoured vehicles in 2024. The lack of BMPs, armoured personnel carriers and tanks is forcing the Russian command to improvise, using civilian vehicles, ATVs and now motorcycles.
It is known that Russian troops are already actively using mixed motorised groups for assault operations and rapid infantry deployment along the entire front line. This adaptation minimises losses from Ukrainian artillery and FPV drones, but also creates new challenges, such as low levels of personnel protection and vulnerability to mines and ambushes.
Experts stress that although the tactic of using motorcycles may bring some local success, it is unlikely to significantly change the strategic situation at the front, as any unprotected vehicle remains an easy target under the high density of fire from Ukrainian forces.
