Putin Aircraft: Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on a state visit on December 4-5 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During this visit, Putin will participate in the 23rd India-Russia annual summit and will hold talks with Prime Minister Modi. Indian President Draupadi Murmu will also welcome Putin and host a banquet in his honour. This will be President Putin’s first visit to India since his two-day visit in 2021. The two leaders last met in person on September 1 during the SCO summit in Tianjin, China.
Putin will use his official aircraft Ilyushin Il-96-300PU for his visit to India. It is also often called the ‘Flying Kremlin’, which is similar to the US President’s ‘Air Force One’. This aircraft is a specially modified version of the Il-96. It has been equipped with luxury features, advanced communication system and comprehensive security system including anti-missile defense. So that it can work as a mobile command center in the air.
The version of the aircraft Putin uses is the Il-96-300PU, with PU standing for Punkt Upravleniya, or ‘command post’. It has been extensively modified for VIP use, national security and in-flight command capabilities. This aircraft is powered by four Aviadvigtal PS-90A turbofan engines. Each of these engines can generate up to 35,000 pounds of power (thrust).
The most notable role of this aircraft is that it is a symbol of Russia’s sovereignty and power.
palatial luxury interior
The luxury interior of the aircraft displays palatial features. Its interiors provide a luxury experience more like a flying palace than an airliner. This aircraft looks like a royal palace or a high-level executive office from inside. It is designed to meet the needs of the President. It has a grand, fully equipped office from where the President can manage international and domestic affairs. There is a large meeting room for important meetings, where security-coded video conferencing facilities are available. It includes a master bedroom, a gym and a high-level medical unit. The interiors use gold plating, exquisite wood carvings and luxurious upholstery, giving it a very luxurious look.
Advanced Security System
Safety is the most important feature of this aircraft. It has been designed to counter surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and other threats. This aircraft allows coded and secure communications from anywhere in the world at any time, including Russia’s nuclear arsenal. This makes it a command post equivalent to the Russian ‘nuclear football’. It is equipped with the capability to release flares and chaff to confuse infrared missiles. Apart from this, it may also have a defense jammer system which disrupts enemy radar and communications. The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics including six multitasking color LCD displays, glass cockpit, fly-by-wire controls and winglets for improved efficiency.
extremely powerful engine
The version of the aircraft that Putin uses is Il-96-300PU. In this PU stands for Punkt Upravleniya, or ‘Command Post’. It has been extensively modified for VIP use, national security and in-flight command capabilities. This aircraft is powered by four Aviadvigtal PS-90A turbofan engines. Each of these engines can generate up to 35,000 pounds of power (thrust). At least one more similar aircraft (as a decoy or backup) is also kept ready before the President takes off. It is always protected by a squadron of Russian fighter planes during flight, especially in sensitive airspace.
modern russian aircraft
The Ilyushin Il-96-300 is a long-range wide-body aircraft. It is mainly used for presidential visits and other important diplomatic missions. This aircraft was developed by Ilyushin Design Bureau. The objective of making it was that this aircraft could provide good service in both commercial flights as well as government transport. This aircraft flew for the first time on 28 September 1988. Russia gave it the certificate to fly on 29 December 1992. The Il-96-300 officially entered service in July 1993. Russia’s special flying squadrons operate a fleet of these aircraft. This squadron is part of the state transport company Rossiya. As of 2021, the squadron had five IL-96-300PUs, the newest of which was added in April 2021.
Russia is proud of this plane
The most notable role of this aircraft is that it is a symbol of Russia’s sovereignty and power. The Il-96-300PU is known for its long-range capability. It has flown non-stop across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, demonstrating that the Russian President can project his power to any part of the world. In the event of any crisis or war, this aircraft allows the President to continue control of the armed forces while keeping him safe in the air. It is an important strategic asset for national security.
