Putin arrives in New Delhi aboard Russia's fortified "Flying Kremlin" for BRICS summit
Vladimir Putin touched down in New Delhi on a specially equipped Ilyushin IL-96-300PU, known as the "Flying Kremlin," as part of his three-day BRICS visit.
On Friday, Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi aboard a heavily protected Ilyushin IL-96-300PU, often dubbed the "Flying Kremlin" or "Doomsday Plane," to attend the BRICS summit. Moscow employs a double-decoy system, launching two identical jets at once so only his security team knows which aircraft he occupies. The customized aircraft, developed in the 1980s, functions as a mobile command centre with encrypted satellite links, radar-jamming gear and defensive systems, and can travel about 11,000 kilometres without refuelling.
Its interior features a private presidential suite, kitchen, dining area and a conference room. Putin’s three-day trip includes a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss expanding trade, investment and energy ties. The article notes that the United States fields a similar airborne command platform, the Boeing E-4 "Nightwatch," which provides survivable command capabilities for senior officials.
Why it matters
The visit highlights Russia's use of a secure, mobile command aircraft while engaging in high-level diplomatic talks at the BRICS summit.
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