New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in New Delhi for a brief but important 30-hour visit to attend the 23rd India-Russia summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This marks Putin’s first visit to India in four years, and it carries important geopolitical implications, especially since it’s his first trip after Russia’s military action in Ukraine began in 2022.
Ahead of his arrival, Putin said he hopes to “take India-Russia ties to a new level.”
As one of the world’s most protected leaders, Putin travels with two key symbols of his power and security: his customized aircraft, known as the “Flying Kremlin,” and his armoured Aurus Senat limousine.
What is Putin’s ‘Flying Kremlin’?
The aircraft that brought President Putin to India is the Ilyushin Il-96-300, often referred to as the “Flying Kremlin.”
This is not just a plane, but a symbol of Russian power and security. The Il-96 was originally developed during the Soviet era in the 1980s as a modern successor to the Il-86 airliner.
It made its first flight in 1988 and became commercially operational in the early 1990s.
The presidential version, named the Il-96-300PU (with “PU” standing for Punkt Upravleniya or “command post”), was introduced in the early 2000s and is specifically designed for VIP and governmental use.
What Makes the ‘Flying Kremlin’ Special?
The Flying Kremlin is one of the most secure planes in the world. Some of its special features include:
Secure Communications: The plane is equipped with secure systems to allow the president to stay in touch with government officials and military commanders.
Missile Defence: It has systems to defend against missile attacks and other potential threats.
Emergency Nuclear Control: The aircraft is equipped with a nuclear command button for emergencies.
Advanced Technology: The plane has modern controls, multiple LCD screens, and a special design to make it fuel-efficient.
Inside Putin’s Flying Kremlin
Inside the Flying Kremlin, security is not the only focus; luxury is also a key element. The aircraft is equipped with:
Conference Rooms: Spaces where Putin and his team can meet and discuss important matters while flying.
Private Bedrooms and Offices: Comfortable spaces where the president can rest and work during the flight.
Elegant Interiors: The plane features gold-plated accents, fine woodwork, and elegant decor, making it much more luxurious than a regular airplane.
How Many Passengers Can the ‘Flying Kremlin’ Carry?
The Il-96-300PU can carry up to 262 passengers in a two-class configuration. While the primary purpose of the plane is for VIP and governmental transport, it can also accommodate many others if necessary.
Why Did the ‘Flying Kremlin’ Get So Much Attention?
Before Putin’s plane arrived in India, it became the most tracked flight in the world. People were following it closely on FlightRadar24, a website that tracks flights in real time.
The plane even switched off its transponder (the device that sends the plane’s location) for security reasons while one of its backup aircraft kept its transponder on.
