Ukraine's Refines Motorcycle Assaults: Raids Kursk At Night, Hits Russians, Returns

Ukraine has refined the use of motorcycle assault swarms to accomplish specific tactical tasks. 

Instead of recent, largely ineffective Russian motorcycle use as a faster meat attack but with the same level of casualties and no greater success in taking objectives, Ukrainian motorcycle troops are trained to raid vulnerable Russian positions, taking prisoners, destroying equipment or fortifications and other specifically assigned goals. In their first motorcycle attack, which was in Russia's Kursk oblast, the Ukrainian 425th Skala Assault Regiment motorcyclists attacked in the dark using infrared night vision equipment, which made them even harder to detect, let alone stop. As a result, the raid was a success and no troops were lost. JL

Volodymyr B reports in Militarnyi:

At high speed, Ukrainian the assault group passed through engineering barriers – dragon’s teeth – crossed the border near Novy Put in Russia's Kursk oblast, broke through to enemy positions, and captured them. The motorcycles then ensured a rapid withdrawal. It was the first time for a motorcycle assault by Ukrainian forces. The motorcycle assault troops operated at night using night vision devices. Movement of large swarms of motorcycles was practiced, with two fighters on each: a driver and a gunner, both armed with AK-47s. The main task of motorcycle units is to capture positions or troops by rapidly breaking through open terrain, minimizing the time for the enemy to detect and respond.

The newly formed motorcycle unit of the 425th separate assault regiment Skala took part in offensive operations in the Kursk sector.

The corresponding video was released by the regiment’s press service.

It is reported that such a format of assault operations was used for the first time in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The motorcycle assault troops operated at night using night vision devices.

 

At high speed, the assault group passed through engineering barriers – dragon’s teeth – crossed the border, broke through to enemy positions, and captured them. Motorcycles also ensured a rapid withdrawal from the occupied positions.

 

In addition, the unit evacuated the crew of a damaged vehicle using a quad bike and a wounded comrade using a motorcycle.

According to information from a War Archive observer, the assault took place on the Ukrainian-Russian border in the area of the now non-existent village of Novy Put.

The breakthrough area in the Kursk direction. Source: War Archive/DeepState

The first motorcycle assault company in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The formation of the first motorcycle company in the Armed Forces of Ukraine became known recently, on May 20.

 

Judging by the published footage, among other tactics, the movement of large swarms of motorcycles was practiced, with two fighters on each: a driver and a gunner.

Both are armed with AK-74U assault rifles, which, according to the plan, should simplify shooting on the move, as well as generally facilitate maneuvering and handling weapons. After dismounting, the driver and shooter act as a pair.

The fighters note that the regiment provided full and high-quality training for its personnel, with no restrictions on fuel or ammunition.

It can be assumed that, by analogy with the Russians, the motorcycles will be assigned specific roles: one may carry radio-electronic countermeasures, while another may tow stretchers for the wounded or ammunition.

The main task of such motorcycle units is to quickly capture positions by rapidly breaking through open terrain, minimizing the time needed for the enemy to detect and respond with fire.