Putin orders two upgraded ‘Doomsday’ planes for use in event of nuclear war

Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the development of two new so-called “Doomsday” planes that may perform as command and management facilities within the occasion of a devastating nuclear conflict.

The plane are supposed to ferry Russia’s high management to security within the occasion of an assault and permit them to stay in contact with the armed forces. The planes are accompanied by fighter jets and are windowless save for the cockpit.

The state-run information company RIA-Novosti reported Monday that building on the primary of the 2 plane is underway within the central Russian metropolis of Voronezh. The report famous that the development of a 3rd plane can be a chance.

The brand new planes can be modified Ilyushin Il-96 airliners and exchange the prevailing Doomsday Ilyushin Il-80s, which have been in service for the reason that late Nineteen Eighties. RIA Novosti reported that the brand new planes are anticipated to have twice the flight vary of their predecessors and can allow the Kremlin’s high brass to offer orders to land-based, submarine and airborne nuclear missile launchers inside a variety of greater than 3,700 miles.

This previous December, one of many present Doomsday planes was broken into and stripped of digital tools whereas present process upkeep at an airfield in Taganrog in southern Russia. Whereas authorities suspected the crime was dedicated by frequent thieves who sought valuable metals — like gold and platinum –contained within the tools, the theft was an embarrassing safety breach for the Kremlin.

Phrase of the development of recent Doomsday planes got here hours after Pentagon press secretary John Kirby tweeted video of the mid-air refueling of a US Air Power E-4B command and management plane.

“An E-4B refuel mid-flight merely by no means will get previous,” Kirby gushed. “My goodness, the abilities it takes! Nice flying by these aircrews. Thanks a lot.”

In the meantime, American and Russia representatives are set to satisfy in Geneva, Switzerland Wednesday for the primary spherical of nuclear arms management talks agreed to by Putin and President Biden finally month’s summit meeting.

The US delegation to the talks can be led by Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, a key negotiator of the 2015 Iran nuclear settlement.