US 'doomsday plane' flies to Washington: Boeing E-4B Nightwatch speculated to be operational amid tensions with Iran; what it means
The Boeing E-4B Nightwatch is also dubbed as the 'flying Pentagon'
One of America's so-called "doomsday planes," the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, made a rare flight to Joint Base Andrews near Washington, DC, on Tuesday night, as tensions continue to rise between Iran and Israel.
The aircraft serves as a mobile command post in the event of a nuclear conflict or other national emergency.
The plane left Bossier City, Louisiana, shortly before 6pm and landed just after 10pm, reports the New York Post. Flight data showed it took an unusual path along the coast and around the border of Virginia and North Carolina before touching down in Maryland.
The plane was seen using the unfamiliar callsign ORDER01, instead of its typical ORDER6, sparking speculation online, with some suggesting it signalled a non-routine or priority mission.
Flight watchers quickly noted the deviation.
Symbol of high-level readiness
Although the E-4B Nightwatch makes routine flights throughout the year to ensure operational readiness, Tuesday's mission drew attention due to the timing. The aircraft took off just as US President
Donald Trump
ramped up threats against Tehran, demanding Iran's "unconditional surrender" in the face of increased Israeli airstrikes.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected the demand on Wednesday, saying, "This nation will not surrender to anyone in the face of imposition."
He warned that any US military intervention would cause "irreparable damage."
Observers suggest the E-4B flight could be part of a broader effort to bolster presidential security and military preparedness amid fears of escalation in the Middle East.
What is the E-4B Nightwatch?
The E-4B is designed to function as an airborne command centre for the US President, Secretary of Defence and top military officials during a crisis. Its most famous operational use was on September 11, 2001, when it was deployed following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.
The plane is built to withstand a nuclear strike. It features advanced shielding against electromagnetic pulses, thermal effects, and cyberattacks. The aircraft is also equipped to launch retaliatory missiles and contains 67 satellite dishes and antennas for global communication.
The E-4B can stay airborne for over 35 hours and is designed to operate for up to a week without landing due to mid-air refuelling capability.
Inside, the plane features three decks including briefing rooms, a command centre, communications facilities, 18 bunks and a rest area, earning it the nickname "Flying Pentagon."
A link to ongoing conflict
The flight came just hours before reports emerged that two Iranian government aircraft had left the country for Oman, fuelling rumours of emergency talks or senior leadership evacuations.
Accompanying this were fresh warnings from Khamenei that Israel would be punished for its "huge mistake" in launching the bombing campaign that has killed at least 224 people in Iran.
The real reason for Tuesday's E-4B flight has not been confirmed, but its timing during rising global tensions has renewed public interest in one of America's most secretive planes. As one of four in operation, the plane's role in national defence remains both symbolic and strategic.
The US Air Force is currently working on a $13 billion programme to replace the ageing fleet, with Sierra Nevada Corporation developing the next generation of Nightwatch aircraft.
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