Putin arrived in India aboard the “Flying Kremlin”; India accorded him a grand welcome. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reached New Delhi to attend the BRICS summit. The special aircraft used by Putin for this visit has become a subject of much discussion; he arrived on an Ilyushin Il-96-300PU. This aircraft is often referred to as the “Flying Kremlin” or the “Doomsday Plane.”
It is no ordinary aircraft; if the need arises, it can function as a command center while airborne. The aircraft exemplifies the extent of Putin’s security arrangements, as an identical plane flies alongside his own. Both aircraft remain in the air simultaneously, ensuring that no one knows exactly which plane Putin is traveling in. This is not a new practice from a security standpoint; Putin often employs such decoy measures during his foreign trips to mitigate potential threats to his aircraft. Due to its exceptional security features and capabilities, this aircraft is referred to as the “Aurus of the skies.” Just as Russia’s “Aurus Senat” is regarded as the President’s ultra-secure vehicle, the Il-96-300 PU aircraft is likened to an “Aurus” for the air.
In the event that ground-based military command centers cease to function during a major war, a nuclear attack, or a catastrophe, all operations can be managed from this aircraft. It has been specially constructed for this purpose and is equipped with state-of-the-art, secure communication systems. It facilitates communication with Russian military, intelligence agencies, and government networks via encrypted satellite links. In the event of a major national crisis, critical decisions can be made from this aircraft while it is airborne.
The aircraft is powered by four Aviadvigatel PS-90A turbofan engines. It has a range of 11,000 km on a single fueling. It is equipped with secure radar and data channels, radar jamming technology, and state-of-the-art security systems. Its purpose is to safeguard the President and the command network against potential attacks or attempts to disrupt communication systems. It offers not only security measures for the President but also a range of luxurious amenities. It is equipped with all facilities, including a presidential suite, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining area, and a conference hall for meetings.
