Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently in New Delhi, India, to attend the BRICS summit. When his convoy entered Delhi’s airspace Friday morning, two identical special aircraft landed on the runway, looking exactly alike. Naturally, the question arose: why fly two massive planes simultaneously for a single head of state’s visit? According to international military and security analysts, the main reason is Putin’s extremely high-level security strategy and his traditional “decoy” policy to confuse potential threats.
Whenever Putin travels for any important trip, at home or abroad, two identically designed Ilyushin Il-96-300PU aircraft fly at nearly the same time and travel alongside each other. From the outside, there is no way to tell exactly which plane the Russian president is aboard. He is aboard one of the aircraft, while the other flies as a “decoy” or diversionary alternative.
If any risk of a missile strike or major sabotage emerges in the air, this disguise is maintained mainly so attackers cannot identify the specific target. Another reason is to ensure that if one aircraft develops a sudden technical fault, the journey can continue without delay aboard the alternative plane.
Controlled by Russia’s special flight squadron, these two aircraft are far more than ordinary transport. They are called the “flying Kremlin” or “doomsday plane.” In an emergency wartime situation, both aircraft can be used directly as mobile military command centres. They are equipped to maintain contact with Russia’s military, nuclear command and top government policymakers through secure satellite links from the air.
To fool enemy radar, these aircraft are fitted with advanced radar-jamming technology and anti-missile shields. Powered by four powerful Aviadvigatel PS-90A turbofan engines, the two aircraft can fly continuously for 11,000 kilometres without mid-air refuelling, eliminating the need to risk landing in a third country during long journeys. Within this extreme military protection is a special suite for the president, a modern bathroom, kitchen, dining area and conference room. The arrival of Putin’s twin aircraft on his Delhi visit once again reminded the world of the Russian president’s airtight security ring and strategic caution.
Source: Reuters and Times of India