Russia has officially opened a specialized school to train drivers of Chinese ATVs of the model Desertcross 1000-3, widely used by occupational forces in the conflict against Ukraine.
+ Click here to watch the video
This initiative reflects Russia’s growing reliance on all-terrain vehicles for logistical missions and combat operations.
+ Futsal Player Carol Oliveira Tragically Dies After Falling from Helipad
+ Elon Musk is the First Person in the World to Have a Net Worth Over $400 Billion
The training center is located on a military training ground, where an extreme driving track has been built. The 5-kilometer-long track is used to simulate adverse conditions. During the course, participants practice obstacle overcoming maneuvers and drive the ATVs on challenging terrain.
Specialized instructors are conducting lessons with Russian soldiers, preparing them for missions such as transporting ammunition, supplies, personnel, and evacuating wounded individuals from conflict zones.
Performance and Applications of the ATVs
The Desertcross 1000-3, manufactured by the Chinese company Shandong Odes Industry, first gained attention in Ukrainian territory in late 2022. With a 72-horsepower gasoline engine, four-wheel drive, and a load capacity of up to 300 kilograms, these vehicles are versatile, transporting everything from supplies to small mortars.
Russian forces have also modified some ATVs, equipping them with “grills,” smoke bombs, and electronic warfare systems (EW), enhancing their functionality in combat scenarios. Nevertheless, many of these vehicles have been destroyed during front-line clashes.
Acquisition Plans and Costs
According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, 537 units of the Desertcross 1000-3 have already been delivered to the armed forces. Additionally, Moscow plans to acquire another 1,590 units by the end of this year. The base model costs 1.58 million rubles (approximately $16,500), while modified versions cost up to 2.1 million rubles (about $21,900).
Movements in the Kursk Region
Recently, a Russian military convoy transporting ATVs was spotted heading toward Kursk, an area where Ukrainian forces still maintain partial control. The region has been the site of intense fighting, and the Russians are using the ATVs to reinforce their positions and attempt to regain the territory.
With a 50-liter fuel tank and a total weight of 916 kilograms, the Desertcross 1000-3 is considered essential for Russian military operations. However, its effectiveness has been continually challenged by Ukrainian forces, who have reported the destruction of several units on the front lines.
Strategic Implications
The use of the Desertcross 1000-3 and the establishment of a training school highlight Russia’s ongoing search for practical solutions to operate in difficult terrains and address logistical challenges on the battlefield. The initiative also underscores the growing military collaboration between Russia and China, as evidenced by the acquisition of Chinese equipment for Russian forces.
Despite the adaptations and specialized training, the performance and durability of the ATVs in combat situations remain under scrutiny, particularly in light of Ukraine’s capabilities to neutralize them.
Source and images: Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, Telegram @mod_russia_en. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
