Latest news with #DoomsdayPlane
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Air Force breaks silence on 'Doomsday plane' flight
Published: Updated: President Donald Trump 's emergency command aircraft was caught flying over parts of the US on Tuesday, sparking fears that an attack on US soil was imminent. Flight trackers spotted the Boeing E-4B 'Nightwatch ,' also known as the 'Doomsday plane,' soaring from Louisiana to Maryland . The Doomsday plane serves as a flying command post for key officials during times of crisis, particularly designed to survive a nuclear attack and coordinate military actions. However, the Air Force clarified that the flight was a pre-scheduled mission unrelated to current Middle East events. The military unit also shared a post on X the day after the flight, showing Secretary Dr Troy Meink boarding the E-4B. The post explained that Secretary Meink visited Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) yesterday for a Major Command (MAJCOM) immersion, a deep, firsthand overview of the command's operations. No additional details have been provided, but the Air Force shared the post with Snopes when it enquired about Tuesday's flight. The Doomsday plane took off from Barksdale Air Force Base. However, the craft is traditionally stored at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. FlightAware shows that the craft first left near Window Rock, Arizona, at 10:37am on Tuesday, making the trip to the Louisiana base. It can be deployed to other bases for operational readiness and in support of various missions. Past missions included transporting FEMA crews and acting as a command post during Hurricane Opal in 1995. A plane was also reportedly used as a safe haven for President George W Bush after the 9/11 attacks. However, the craft is not always used as doomsday vessels. The Secretary of Defense will occasionally travel overseas in an E-4B. While Tuesday's flight was pre-scheduled, it came just hours before Khamenei said that Iran would 'stand firm against an imposed war, just as it will stand firm against an imposed peace.' 'This nation will not surrender to anyone in the face of imposition,' he said in his first televised comments since Israel launched its surprise attack on Friday. Khamenei also alluded to Trump's recent statements, saying that 'intelligent people who know Iran, the Iranian nation, and its history will never speak to this nation in threatening language'. 'The Americans should know that any US military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage,' he added. Khamenei said that Israel had made a 'huge mistake' with its campaign, promising that it will be 'punished.' Trump will decide in the next two weeks whether the US will get involved in the Israel-Iran air war , the White House said on Thursday, raising pressure on Tehran to come to the negotiating table. Citing a message from Trump, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters: 'Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks .' The US has a total of four E-4B aircraft, featuring unique capabilities that cannot be duplicated by any other aircraft used by the Air Force. They have thermal and nuclear shielding, and are capable of withstanding nuclear blasts, electromagnetic effects and cyberattacks. They can also launch retaliatory missiles. The plane carries special equipment and can communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world, and support analysts and strategists in-flight. E-4Bs have 67 satellite dishes and antennas in the ray dome. Doomsday planes have three decks, which include a command room, conference room, briefing room, teamwork area, communications room and a designated rest area featuring 18 bunks. The planes have remained airborne and operational for as long as 35.4 hours in one stint, but they were designed to operate in-flight for a full week without needing to land. The E-4B is also capable of refueling mid-air.
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Air Force breaks silence on 'Doomsday plane' flight that sparked US bombing fears
President Donald Trump 's emergency command aircraft was caught flying over parts of the US on Tuesday, sparking fears that an attack on US soil was imminent. Flight trackers spotted the Boeing E-4B 'Nightwatch,' also known as the 'Doomsday plane,' soaring from Louisiana to Maryland. The Doomsday plane serves as a flying command post for key officials during times of crisis, particularly designed to survive a nuclear attack and coordinate military actions. The craft took off from Bossier City at 5:56pm ET, traveled along the coast, looped around the border of Virginia and North Carolina, before landing at Joint Base Andrews at 10:01pm. The flight sparked speculation about heightened presidential security amid growing tensions in the Middle East, where reports suggest Trump supports Israel 's military actions against Iran, demanding Tehran's 'unconditional surrender.' However, the Air Force clarified that the flight was a pre-scheduled mission unrelated to current Middle East events. The military unit also shared a post on X the day after the flight, showing Secretary Dr Troy Meink boarding the E-4B. The post explained that Secretary Meink visited Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) yesterday for a Major Command (MAJCOM) immersion, a deep, firsthand overview of the command's operations. No additional details have been provided, but the Air Force shared the post with Snopes when it enquired about Tuesday's flight. The Doomsday plane took off from Barksdale Air Force Base. However, the craft is traditionally stored at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. FlightAware shows that the craft first left near Window Rock, Arizona, at 10:37am on Tuesday, making the trip to the Louisiana base. It can be deployed to other bases for operational readiness and in support of various missions. Past missions included transporting FEMA crews and acting as a command post during Hurricane Opal in 1995. A plane was also reportedly used as a safe haven for President George W Bush after the 9/11 attacks. However, the craft is not always used as doomsday vessels. The Secretary of Defense will occasionally travel overseas in an E-4B. While Tuesday's flight was pre-scheduled, it came just hours before Khamenei said that Iran would 'stand firm against an imposed war, just as it will stand firm against an imposed peace.' 'This nation will not surrender to anyone in the face of imposition,' he said in his first televised comments since Israel launched its surprise attack on Friday. Khamenei also alluded to Trump's recent statements, saying that 'intelligent people who know Iran, the Iranian nation, and its history will never speak to this nation in threatening language'. 'The Americans should know that any US military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage,' he added. Khamenei said that Israel had made a 'huge mistake' with its campaign, promising that it will be 'punished.' Trump will decide in the next two weeks whether the US will get involved in the Israel-Iran air war, the White House said on Thursday, raising pressure on Tehran to come to the negotiating table. Citing a message from Trump, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters: 'Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.' The US has a total of four E-4B aircraft, featuring unique capabilities that cannot be duplicated by any other aircraft used by the Air Force. They have thermal and nuclear shielding, and are capable of withstanding nuclear blasts, electromagnetic effects and cyberattacks. They can also launch retaliatory missiles. The plane carries special equipment and can communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world, and support analysts and strategists in-flight. E-4Bs have 67 satellite dishes and antennas in the ray dome. Doomsday planes have three decks, which include a command room, conference room, briefing room, teamwork area, communications room and a designated rest area featuring 18 bunks. The planes have remained airborne and operational for as long as 35.4 hours in one stint, but they were designed to operate in-flight for a full week without needing to land. The E-4B is also capable of refueling mid-air.
Miami Herald
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Satellite Images Show US Military Preparations for Possible Iran War
Satellite imagery reveals a major buildup of U.S. tanker aircraft and heavy transport planes in European bases as President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision on striking Iran. Newsweek has reached out to Pentagon for comment. The ongoing military reinforcement signals the readiness of U.S. forces for potential conflict with Iran. Trump is expected to decide on whether or not to have the United States join Israel's war with Iran "within the next two weeks," according to the White House. The highly visible deployment of strategic assets across continents-in addition to the recent arrival of the "Doomsday Plane" at Joint Base Andrews-may also be intended to send a strong message to Tehran and to increase psychological pressure amid escalating tensions. A surge in U.S. Air Force activity appeared in satellite images spotted by open-intelligence analysts on X, at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the Aviano Air Base in Italy and Chania Air Base in Greece. Iran has warned against any attack and accused the United States of complicity in Israel's attacks. Some politicians have also raised the possibility of shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and key to oil shipments to Asia, in response. Tanker aircraft appear to be parked at key locations so they can continuously refuel fighter jets coming from Europe, like F-22s based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, the largest U.S. Air Base in Europe. They can also refuel bombers flying from the U.S. mainland, enabling them to fly nonstop round trips to the target area and back. This nonstop flight is called a CONUS-to-CONUS mission-CONUS means the continental United States. The last time the U.S. Air Force publicly practiced such a long nonstop CONUS-to-CONUS operation was in February, flying over North Africa for about 30 hours. This setup means if President Trump orders an airstrike, U.S. jets could reach the target without stopping for fuel on the ground. Additionally, some bombers and tankers are already positioned at Diego Garcia, a strategic U.S. base in the Indian Ocean, ready for quick deployment. Recent satellite imagery showed U.S. aircraft have vacated a key air base in Qatar, in another sign that a confrontation with Iran could be imminent. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: "I have a message directly from the president and I quote: Based on the fact that there is a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision, whether or not to go within the next two weeks." Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Iranian media: "In these attacks that have been carried out against Iran, there are multiple signs indicating cooperation between U.S. forces present in the region and the Zionist regime." European nations may pursue limited diplomacy with Iran, but broader talks are not likely to resume amid ongoing Israeli strikes and rising tensions. That could increase the chances of deeper U.S. involvement. Related Articles Israel Targets Iran's Remaining Nuclear Scientists in Targeted Strikes – Reports: Live UpdatesUS Grows Defense Partnership Next Door to ChinaIran Rules Out US Talks Unless Israel Halts StrikesHow to Watch Saudi Arabia vs United States: Live Stream CONCACAF Gold Cup, TV Channel 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Miami Herald
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Sends World's Largest Military Aircraft Near Iran's Border
The United States Air Force has sent the largest military aircraft in the world to Saudi Arabia, close to Iran's border, according to flight tracking data. The C-5m Super Galaxy travelled from Aviano Air Base in Italy to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, according to Flightradar24, which tracks aircraft around the world. At 10:26 p.m. ET on Thursday, the aircraft was recorded approaching Riyadh, the Saudi capital. The C-5m Super Galaxy is a transportation aircraft that has been in service with the U.S. Air Force since 1970. President Donald Trump has been mulling whether to join Israeli strikes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, which have been ongoing since last week. The White House announced on Thursday that Trump had set a two-week deadline to decide whether the U.S. would strike Iran. "Based on the fact that there is a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place in the near future, I will make my decision of whether or not to go within the next two weeks," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. This is a breaking story. More to follow. Related Articles Satellite Images Show US Military Preparations for Possible Iran WarUS Stages Air Combat Drills With Allies Amid North Korea ThreatTrump's Nuclear Attack 'Doomsday Plane' Arrives In WashingtonSatellite Imagery Shows Evacuation at Largest U.S. Air Base in Middle East 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Satellite Images Show US Military Preparations for Possible Iran War
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Satellite imagery reveals a major buildup of U.S. tanker aircraft and heavy transport planes in European bases as President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision on striking Iran. Newsweek has reached out to Pentagon for comment. Why It Matters The ongoing military reinforcement signals the readiness of U.S. forces for potential conflict with Iran. Trump is expected to decide on whether or not to have the United States join Israel's war with Iran "within the next two weeks," according to the White House. The highly visible deployment of strategic assets across continents—in addition to the recent arrival of the "Doomsday Plane" at Joint Base Andrews—may also be intended to send a strong message to Tehran and to increase psychological pressure amid escalating tensions. Drag slider compare photos What To Know A surge in U.S. Air Force activity appeared in satellite images spotted by open-intelligence analysts on X, at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the Aviano Air Base in Italy and Chania Air Base in Greece. Drag slider compare photos Iran has warned against any attack and accused the United States of complicity in Israel's attacks. Some politicians have also raised the possibility of shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and key to oil shipments to Asia, in response. Tanker aircraft appear to be parked at key locations so they can continuously refuel fighter jets coming from Europe, like F-22s based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, the largest U.S. Air Base in Europe. They can also refuel bombers flying from the U.S. mainland, enabling them to fly nonstop round trips to the target area and back. This nonstop flight is called a CONUS-to-CONUS mission—CONUS means the continental United States. The last time the U.S. Air Force publicly practiced such a long nonstop CONUS-to-CONUS operation was in February, flying over North Africa for about 30 hours. Drag slider compare photos This setup means if President Trump orders an airstrike, U.S. jets could reach the target without stopping for fuel on the ground. Additionally, some bombers and tankers are already positioned at Diego Garcia, a strategic U.S. base in the Indian Ocean, ready for quick deployment. Recent satellite imagery showed U.S. aircraft have vacated a key air base in Qatar, in another sign that a confrontation with Iran could be imminent. What People Are Saying White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: "I have a message directly from the president and I quote: Based on the fact that there is a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision, whether or not to go within the next two weeks." Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Iranian media: "In these attacks that have been carried out against Iran, there are multiple signs indicating cooperation between U.S. forces present in the region and the Zionist regime." What Happens Next European nations may pursue limited diplomacy with Iran, but broader talks are not likely to resume amid ongoing Israeli strikes and rising tensions. That could increase the chances of deeper U.S. involvement.
