Could be used against NATO: ISW reveals Russian assault tactics
Photo: Russian forces using motorcycle assaults (Getty Images)
Russian troops may use motorcycle assault tactics in future wars outside Ukraine, including operations against NATO countries, according to analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
According to analysts, Russian forces are increasingly using motorcycles in tactical operations on the front line in Ukraine. The threat of Russian motorcycle assaults is reportedly growing.
Ukrainian troops have previously warned that enemy motorcycle units mostly advance across open fields, attempting to bypass the Defense Forces’ engineering barriers.
"Frontelligence Insight reported that Russian forces are mainly using motorcycles as a form of transport for attacking infantry to support diversion, reconnaissance, infiltration, and flanking support missions," the analysts wrote.
Reportedly, Russian forces operate in squads of six to eight motorcycles, with one or two soldiers on each vehicle.
"Each squad reportedly has two to four portable electronic warfare (EW) systems and one device scanning for Ukrainian drones. Frontelligence Insight reported Russian forces are also leveraging motorcycles for casualty evacuation and logistics support," the analysts added.
Motorcycles on front
Earlier assessments showed that Russian forces have decreased the frequency of mechanized assaults. According to ISW, Russia has slowed the deployment of Soviet-era tanks from storage.
Russian command increasingly relies on civilian vehicles, ATVs, and motorcycles to conduct assault operations.
Analysts also noted that Russia’s wider use of motorcycles is an adaptation to widespread Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian armored vehicles.
