The Russian Marine Corps has started training for coastal landings using speedboats and motorcycles to secure a foothold on the shore.

The footage was shared by Russian propagandist Alexander Sladkov.

The marines of the 61st Separate Guards Naval Infantry Brigade, part of the Dnepr Group of Forces’ air defence systems, used motorcycle assault tactics during a water obstacle course exercise.

The plan involves boats carrying motorcyclists leading the first wave of river or sea landings, quickly hitting the shore under the cover of a smoke screen and rapidly securing defensive positions. Motorcycles play a crucial role in this strategy, allowing for faster movement to positions while under enemy fire.

The small speedboats can only carry two motorcyclists each, so immediately following them are vessels with regular naval infantry, ensuring a numerical advantage.

Similar to conventional ground offensives, the use of motorcycles in coastal operations is likely aimed at minimizing the time assault troops spend in the FPV drone strike zone. By reducing the risk to infantry, the invaders improve their chances of success.

Moreover, fast ground transport enables them to take up more strategically favorable defensive positions, situated further from the shoreline.

In his report, the propagandist openly suggests that the development of new tactics could be preparation by the Russian invaders for upcoming offensive operations on the right bank of the Kherson region or along the Black Sea coast.

Coastal defense

Since the beginning of the year, the 124th and 126th Territorial Defense Brigades, which were reorganized into the 34th and 39th Coastal Defense Brigades, have been subordinated to the Ukrainian 30th Marine Corps.

In 2023-2024, both formations took an active part in operations to dislodge the enemy from the Dnipro Delta, battles for the islands, and holding the bridgehead in Krynky on the left bank of the Dnipro. Given their combat experience and established contacts with the Marines, the choice of these units is not surprising.

After the reorganization, the new units, along with other units of the 30th Corps, continue to defend the line of contact along the Dnipro River, where the invaders periodically attempt to retake the islands, and sabotage and reconnaissance groups operate.

Meanwhile, the Navy, together with the developers of maritime drones, is working to create a coastal patrol and defense system based on maritime drones with machine gun turrets and advanced surveillance sensors. This solution is primarily aimed at preventing the threat of Russian kamikaze maritime drones, but it will also be extremely effective in disrupting landing operations.