Khaberni - Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in the Indian capital, New Delhi, last Friday, at the beginning of a 3-day visit to participate in the BRICS summit, where he is scheduled to discuss with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ways to enhance trade, investments, and energy sector cooperation between the two countries.
Putin arrived accompanied by a high-level Russian delegation amid extraordinary security measures that accompany the movements of one of the world's most heavily protected leaders.
Two identical planes for security reasons
His arrival attracted attention due to the security measures implemented during the flight, as two identical presidential planes took off at the same time, while Putin boarded one of them without revealing which one actually carried him. This measure aims to deceive any potential threats and prevent identification of the aircraft carrying the president, a strategy Moscow routinely uses during Putin’s foreign visits.
“The Flying Kremlin” or “Doomsday Plane”
Rarely does Putin travel without his modified presidential plane, an “Ilyushin IL-96-300PU,” known as “The Flying Kremlin” or “Doomsday Plane,” according to NDTV.
While the plane is a special version of the Russian “Ilyushin IL-96,” developed in the 1980s, it is designed to be a highly secure mobile command center for the Russian president during emergencies and major crises.
Capabilities exceed air transport
The plane relies on 4 “PS-90A” engines, and boasts a flight range of up to about 11,000 kilometers, allowing for long flights without the need to refuel frequently.
It measures 55.35 meters in length, while the wingspan reaches 60.12 meters, and it is operated by a special aviation unit tasked with transporting the Russian president and top officials.
A mobile command center in times of crisis
The aircraft’s function is not limited to transporting the president only, as it can also serve as a fully integrated command center during national emergencies.
It includes encrypted communication systems enabling secure communications with military, security, and governmental institutions from anywhere in the world, in addition to technologies for jamming radars and advanced defensive systems and satellite communication links, ensuring continuous and secure communications.
A high level of luxury
Besides its advanced security features, the plane is equipped with luxury facilities including a private presidential suite comprising bedrooms and luxurious bathrooms, as well as a kitchen and dining rooms.
It also contains a large meeting hall equipped to host delegations and official meetings, in addition to luxury fittings including gold-plated decorations, exquisite woodwork, and high-quality leather seats and furnishings.
