Thread by @Tatarigami_UA

21st-Century Dragoons: Dissecting Russia’s Motorcycle Assault Tactics

🧵Thread with key findings from Frontelligence Insight analysis on Russia’s Motorcycle Assault Groups: structure, tactics, training, equipment, battlefield performance, and the conditions that enabled them

2/ Though called “assault” groups, Motorcycle Assault Groups serve diverse roles beyond direct assaults - handling diversion, reconnaissance, behind-the-lines infiltration, logistics, and flanking support in larger operations.

3/ More importantly, motorcycles act mainly as rapid transport, ferrying troops to their objectives rather than acting as combat platforms. As analysts @KofmanMichael and B.A. Friedman note, a better analogy is “dragoons” - mounted infantry who rode into battle but fought on foot

4/ The structure of a motorcycle assault group can vary depending on the unit, its assigned tasks, and the resources available to the parent unit. However, such a group typically consists of 6 - 8 motorcycles, with 1 - 2 riders per vehicle.

5/ At least one motorcycle in the group is usually equipped with a drone detection system. Additionally, these groups typically carry 2 to 3 EW stations — either mounted directly on motorcycles or carried in backpacks by riders — to jam drone communications during an assault

6/ Motorcycles with two riders optionally have the passenger as the primary combatant, ready to engage both ground targets and aerial threats, such as drones while on the move. However, in most cases, the passenger is usually just dropped off by the rider before actual engagement

7/ Common Tactical Maneuvers Used by Motorcycle Assault Groups:

- Single Flank: Motorcycles maneuver around the enemy’s position from a flank to strike

- Pincer Movement: Coordinated flanking from both sides aimed at overwhelming or encircling the target.

8/ Deep Penetration: Rapid advance beyond the first line of defense to disrupt rear-area logistics, rotations etc

Diversionary Maneuver: Aimed at drawing enemy attention and fire away from the main assault force

Reconnaissance-in-Force: Probing enemy positions while mobile

9/ Beyond direct combat, motorcycle units fulfill other support roles. They conduct limited medical evacuation - extracting wounded personnel one at a time due to space and weight constraints, and carry critical supplies such as food, water, or ammunition within their load limits

10/ Training.
As of spring 2025, motorcycle and ATV training is underway both within Russia and the occupied territories of Ukraine, integrated on the force groupings level. The training usually takes place on improvised motocross-style tracks, designed for motorcycles

11/ More advanced training programs include drone evasion, where instructors simulate FPV attacks. The duration of training varies widely, ranging from 16 practice hours to over a calendar month, depending on the situation and urgency

12/ Most motorcycles deployed at the front are foreign-made, primarily sourced from China. As with drones, motorcycles often reach units through volunteers, local authorities from the unit’s home region, personal purchases by servicemembers, and state procurement.

13/ As of June 2025, one of the most commonly observed models was the Enduro-style motorcycles, such as Sharmax Sport 280, produced by Sharmax Motors - a a company with manufacturing in China. Prices typically range from 180,000 to 300,000 rubles (approximately $1,900 to $3,200)

14/ Ukrainian infantrymen and drone operators we interviewed expressed skepticism about the growing hype around motorcycles as a battlefield “wunderwaffe,” emphasizing that while useful in certain conditions, motorcycles are merely a platform - not a transformative innovation.

15/ When used properly — with fire support, EW, drones, and armored vehicles — motorcycles can be highly effective. The challenge lies in execution: Russian forces consistently struggle to coordinate combined-arms operations even at the company or battalion level

16/ While more maneuverable than traditional armored vehicles and better at avoiding artillery fire, motorcycles leave riders exposed and vulnerable to shrapnel from the same artillery. High casualty rates and continued vulnerability to FPV drones remain significant problem

17/ Internal Russian Defense Ministry documents, not yet public, indicate motorcycles, ATVs, and buggies will become standard in assault units, with over half the infantry equipped to enhance mobility.

18/ The concept of logistic disruption using drones, backed by artillery and highly mobile infantry under EW cover, is becoming increasingly tangible and a growing threat to Russia's neighbours.

Thanks for reading our brief report summary. You can find the full report below:

19/ Link: frontelligence.substack.com/p/21st-century…

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