Russian President Vladimir Putin is coming to India on December 4 on a two-day visit. Putin was a brave KGB spy in his time. Because of this, he protects himself in a more hi-tech manner than any other President or Prime Minister in the world. They wear such clothes from head to toe and are equipped with equipment to keep themselves extremely safe.
Although all the information about Putin’s security is never shared publicly, but from the statements of experts, former bodyguards and some incidents, it is clear that whether it is his attire, watch or hat, everything is of high-tech security, which means that even if a bullet is fired at him, he will hardly be fooled, he will escape safely.
1. Special clothing (bulletproof/blast protection)
Putin often wears a lightweight advanced bulletproof vest under his suit at public rallies, public events, or on high-risk trips. These are made of Kevlar or more modern materials like Aramid fiber, which can stop even a rifle bullet, but they look like a normal suit.
He started wearing a bulletproof vest under his coat in 2023, when he started doing it on the recommendation of the Presidential Security Service. He wore this vest under his coat during the Victory Day Parade on Red Square in Moscow on 9 May 2024.
Security expert Jed Miller then said in a video analysis that his shoulders seemed unusually broad. The way of walking was different, which is an indication of body armour. The fabric of their coat or suit may also include blast-resistant materials, which protect against shockwaves.
2. Head Protection
He does not wear a helmet but his hat is called bulletproof or resistant hat. Some specialty hats may have layers of nylon or other materials.
3. In-ear device
He constantly has an invisible earpiece in his ear, through which he remains directly connected to his bodyguards and the command center. This can usually be seen in their left ear. His conversation was leaked recently when he was in a program with China’s President Xi Jinping and North Korea’s ruler Kim Young Ul.
4. Special watch on wrist
He always has a special watch on his wrist. This is not just a clock that tells time. It may have a button or sensor which when pressed sends an immediate help signal to the security team. According to some reports, it can also monitor vital signs of the body like heart rate and blood pressure.
5. Medical Kit
Putin always carries a personal medical kit, which includes blood plasma, antidotes (for poison) and emergency medicines according to his blood group. It remains in a special briefcase.
6. Double to confuse
This is said to be a very secret but famous practice. In which one or more doubles of Putin are in the vehicles accompanying him. These can confuse the attacker at the time of need. Although this was never confirmed, former security officials have been raising the possibility of it.
7. Shoes
There is no information available about any special safety device or bulletproof feature in the shoes. There was no news of any gadget about Putin’s shoes.
8. Communication and spying devices
Their convoys have jamming devices that prevent bomb blasts or drones.
9. Total Security
There is 4 layer security with Putin. Private guards, agents hidden in the crowd, perimeter guards and snipers. They also use food testers and long tables.
no use of mobile phone
According to available information, he never carries a personal mobile phone with him. The main reasons for this are believed to be their strict security policies, privacy concerns and the risk of possible hacking or tracking. Being a former KGB officer, Putin maintains distance from technology. He does not use internet or smartphone.
In 2020, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Putin does not use a smartphone, although he occasionally uses the Internet. In 2023, Gleb Karakulov, a former Russian intelligence officer posted as Putin’s personal security, had said that in his 13 years of service, he had never seen Putin with a mobile phone. Even on foreign trips, he does not take a phone with him, but takes a “phone booth” with him.
In 2010 and 2020, Putin admitted that if he kept a mobile phone it would “always ring”. They will be busy. They consider it inconvenient. Let the staff handle the calls.
