Kathrine Frich
Russia plans to hire instructors to teach troops motorcycle combat tactics.
Russia plans to hire instructors to teach troops motorcycle combat tactics.
200,000 Motorcycles for Military Use
Russia’s military is investing heavily in motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to modernize its training and combat strategies.
Reports suggest the Kremlin has already purchased tens of thousands of Chinese-made bikes for use on the Ukrainian front.
Motorcycle Tracks Added to Russian Training Bases
New footage from Russia’s Defense Ministry shows revamped military training facilities with custom tracks for motorcycles, ATVs, and off-road buggies.
These updates were revealed during recent visits to bases in Novosibirsk and the Krasnodar Territory.
Defense Chiefs Push for Tactical Modernization
Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and Ground Forces Commander Andrei Mordvichev are leading the charge.
At Novosibirsk, they called for motorcycle integration into training programs, aiming to prepare cadets for modern battlefield tactics.
From Volunteer Donations to State Procurement
Until recently, most motorcycles used by Russian troops were donated or bought privately.
But now the Ministry of Defense is centralizing procurement.
Reports say over 40,000 Chinese motorcycles were acquired in 2024 alone, with plans for 120,000 to 200,000 more.
Russia’s New Plan: Fast, Light, and Tactical
The Ministry’s strategy includes buying 30,000 ATVs and 12,000 buggy-style vehicles by the end of 2025.
This signals a shift toward fast-moving, decentralized assault tactics, partly inspired by battlefield needs in Ukraine.
Wagner Veterans Could Train New Riders
To support the rollout, Russia plans to hire instructors, possibly including ex-members of the Wagner Group, to teach troops motorcycle combat tactics.
These lessons aim to improve soldier survivability and mobility on the front line.
Motorcycle Tactics Face Doubts from Within
Despite the push, some Russian military bloggers remain skeptical.
One ex-Storm Z instructor warned that motorcycles and ATVs are highly vulnerable to Ukrainian FPV drone strikes, with casualty ratios alarmingly high in recent operations.
Drones Still Rule the Battlefield
Analysts note that while motorcycles offer speed, they haven’t drastically improved Russia’s pace of advance.
Without coordinated air support, drone coverage, or electronic warfare, assaults involving motorcycles remain slow and dangerous.
Tactical Gains in “Gray Zones”
Russian forces have seen modest success using motorcycles to navigate contested areas and avoid drone detection.
However, the ISW notes that these tactics haven’t delivered meaningful breakthroughs or major territorial gains.
