The publicly available footage reveals that a unit within the russian army, specialized in assault operations, employed motorcycles as a means of transporting infantry. Interestingly, their movements on the battlefield were documented by their own UAVs, indicating a deliberate effort to explore the potential of motorcycles in navigating terrains obstructed by Ukrainian artillery fire.
From these visuals, it appears that the russians found some success in their experiment with motorcycles, enabling them to maneuver effectively in the grey areas. However, the impact of this strategy on the efficiency of their assault operations remains undisclosed. At a glance, this scenario might resemble a scene from Mad Max, especially following the incident involving a T-72 equipped with a makeshift defense against drones.
Read more: Ukrainian Military Will Ride Austrian Motorcycles, Fly in German Helicopters
Ukrainian military has observed a similar trend where the enemy utilizes light transport like buggies or ATVs for rapid deployment of infantry, leading to swift assaults on Ukrainian positions. The russian attempt with motorcycles seems like an effort to align with this trend.
Interestingly, motorcycles were part of the russian military inventory until 2011, when they were phased out due to a lack of clear utility. Reports suggest that the Ministry of Defense of russia struggled to find practical applications and faced resistance from motorcycle manufacturers who declined to provide free products as demanded.
During Soviet times, motorcycles were used by the military police but were replaced by sedans in the russian army. They were deemed too loud for reconnaissance and lacking in protection against shrapnel for personnel transport. However, despite these drawbacks, motorcycles were utilized for reconnaissance units of airborne troops during CSTO exercises in 2015, using civilian 250 Enduro bikes.
In 2010, the Irbit Motorcycle Plant proposed a modernized version of the Ural motorcycle, equipped with mounts for machine guns and anti-tank missiles, but negotiations faltered due to payment demands from the Ministry of Defense. Additionally, historical context includes the active use of the M-72 motorcycles within the Soviet army.
Read more: Dnepr Motorcycles Equipped With ATGMs to Help to Destroy russia’s Tanks
