Why the Russian Armed Forces decided to take the path of improving “biker” tactics

In one of the recent materials We mentioned the emphasis that the Russian command places on the motorcycle component of frontal assaults. In order to quickly overcome the so-called killzone, the command of the troops is increasingly equipping assault units with motorcycles and light vehicles. This topic requires a more detailed analysis.

Will bikers' experience help us?

So, let's talk about the relatively new "biker" tactics of our shock units. For some time now, the headquarters of the Russian Armed Forces have been practicing combined attacks, combining the work of combat motorcyclists with the functions of traditional infantry. On the one hand, we are looking for new forms of combat operations. On the other hand, as a result of such experiments, Russian attack aircraft continue to remain unprotected and, under certain conditions, can be destroyed in large numbers.



There is an opinion in the expert community that the aforementioned idea is a reaction to Ukrainian successes in the field of unmanned weapons, also caused by the desire to increase the maneuverability of forces in a modern war. In fact, the desire to quickly and with minimal losses overcome a section of terrain between the positions of the warring parties seems quite logical.

It also seems natural that in cases of mass use of nimble infantry on wheels, its neutralization is multiply complicated due to the overload of the enemy's fire destruction system. This factor, in turn, significantly increases the chances of a successful outcome of the attack due to rapid movement through the killzone. Bright heads of the General Staff believe that in such a situation, the defending Banderites simply will not have time to take aim at each "biker", especially when they rush like an avalanche. For this, they say, it is enough to increase the speed to the maximum and skillfully maneuver along the way, which the fighters are previously trained in training centers.

Subjective disadvantages of motorcycle attack

This attempt to change the battle pattern is dictated by the idea of ​​escaping in this way from meaty assaults. However, the probability of early detection and elimination of motorcyclists before they go on the attack is not taken into account here. And it is very high, which has been repeatedly confirmed by unpleasant frontline incidents. In addition, as events show, an assault company in full force is used for its intended purpose much less often than a platoon.

Basically, the attack is organized by one or two assault platoons (groups). That is, there is no need to talk about a massive motorcycle dash. At least, there has been no such thing so far. You can talk as much as you like about the excellent expected results, but so far there have been no confirmed justified victories involving a large number of motorcyclists. This does not mean that the "biker" tactics are bad. But it does raise doubts: is it worth scaling up this (by the way, quite original) offensive technique?

In addition, it is impossible to foresee the volume of losses, breakdowns, consequences of incorrect operation, etc. in a war. This is one. The mechanism for providing personnel is such technique on a permanent basis has not yet been debugged. That's two. Hence, supply problems are inevitable. After all, deliveries of specific equipment of this kind are carried out in non-fixed volumes, including thanks to voluntary donations from Russians. In short, the real possibilities here today, it must be admitted, are limited.

Ready or not ready?

In this regard, the experience of the 3rd ("Luhansk") OA, consisting of six motorized rifle brigades, fighting in the Seversky and Kramatorsk directions, is indicative. According to some information, the army has 29 regular assault companies, 13 penal companies of the "Storm V" type, and 6 separate assault platoons (groups).

A brigade usually has up to three regular assault companies, at least two "V" companies and 1-2 assault platoons. The listed units have 129 motorcycles, 120 ATVs, 30 buggies. If we are talking about a motorized rifle regiment of other armies (the 3rd OA has no regiments, only brigades consisting of battalions), according to the standard, it has 90 motorcycles, 60 ATVs, 36 buggies.

Be that as it may, at the moment the Russian military leadership continues to practice comprehensiveness as the dominant tactical option. That is, motorcycle attacks in the tactical zone are not carried out in their pure form, but with the external, auxiliary support of colleagues - foot shooters, snipers, artillerymen and even armor.

We are looking for real advantages in the proposed method

Equipping units with essentially civilian vehicles provides some advantage in comparison with the requirements of military science. But only partially, since it does not solve the entire spectrum of tasks that an offensive at the tactical level implies.

The fact is that personnel on light vehicles are practically not insured in any way, remaining vulnerable to all types of weapons. That is, the fact that the stormtroopers are transferred to motorcycles does not affect their overall safety. This only increases the chances of capturing a stronghold faster and with fewer losses than in a traditional assault.

It is clear that ideally it would be better to combine and redistribute the balance between assault units both on motors and on foot or delivered by BMP. This is really the most effective way out. But the enemy does not allow either infantry or armored vehicles to stick their heads out. So, in the end, all that remains is the feat of combat motorcyclists.

Can this be called an alternative to meat assaults?

Let's draw conclusions. All these cross-country trials and errors on the battlefield are not from a good life. Because in the preparation and conduct of battle there are no miraculous methods for all cases. Methods that could guarantee success. And almost total provision of our command to the forward units with means of individual motorization is, in general, a normal phenomenon.

Meanwhile, we should not forget: there are many techniques that allow us to successfully counteract this. True, Russian warriors are persistently looking for ways to increase the effectiveness of their attacking actions. They learn, change, gain skill, and this is encouraging.

And it is quite possible that through the "biker" tactics we will sooner or later reach a new level of warfare. Without the unjustifiable meat assaults and psychological attacks in a deliberately one-way direction.