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Business Standard
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
What is the secretive 'doomsday plane' spotted amid West Asia tensions?
One of the US military's most secretive aircraft, the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, often referred to as the 'doomsday plane', reportedly landed at the Joint Base Andrews near Washington, DC on Tuesday night. The aircraft's arrival coincided with escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Unusual flight path raises eyebrows The E-4B, which is built to safeguard the US Secretary of Defence and other senior national security personnel during nuclear conflict, was spotted on its route by flight trackers, according to a report by The New York Post. The plane departed from Bossier City, Louisiana, shortly before 6 pm (local time), and reached Maryland at 10 pm, after taking a lengthy and indirect path skirting the East Coast and circling near the borders of Virginia and North Carolina, according to data from FlightRadar. What is the 'doomsday plane'? The E-4B Nightwatch is a specially modified aircraft that acts as an airborne command post for the US President, Secretary of Defense, and top military leaders, allowing for critical communication and control in emergencies, including during nuclear attacks. Each E-4B is capable of housing up to 112 personnel and can travel over 7,000 miles. The aircraft is equipped with protection against nuclear explosions, cyber warfare, and electromagnetic interference, and has systems in place to launch retaliatory strikes if necessary. With 67 satellite dishes and antennas on board, the aircraft can maintain contact with any part of the world. Designed to operate continuously for up to a week without landing, it can refuel mid-air. Former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld used the E-4B as his main form of travel during George W Bush's presidency. Top specs of E-4B 'Nightwatch' * Primary function: Airborne operations center * Aircraft manufacturer: Boeing Aerospace Co * Power: Four General Electric CF6-50E2 turbofan engines * Thrust: 52,500 pounds each engine * Length: 231 feet, 4 inches (70.5 meters) * Maximum takeoff weight: 360,000 kg * Endurance: 12 hours (unrefuelled) * Date of deployment: January 1980 [Data as of June 2024] E-4B Nightwatch: The flying Pentagon The E-4B features three decks containing 18 sleeping bunks, a briefing room, teamwork area, conference room, command centre, and dedicated rest facilities, effectively transforming it into a 'flying Pentagon' capable of running government operations in times of national emergency. The US Air Force is currently in the process of replacing its E-4B fleet with newer models to continue its airborne command mission. Israel-Iran conflict: What's happening? The conflict has intensified as Israeli forces have carried out strikes on several Iranian nuclear and defence facilities, reportedly killing senior generals and nuclear scientists. A US-based human rights group reported 639 deaths in Iran, including 263 civilians, with over 1,300 wounded. In retaliation, Iran has launched approximately 400 missiles and multiple drones, resulting in at least 24 deaths in Israel and hundreds of injuries. (With inputs from multiple agencies)
NDTV
13 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
What Is 'Doomsday Plane' Spotted In US Skies Amid Iran-Israel Conflict
New Delhi: As tensions continue to flare between Israel and Iran, and Washington ponders over potential military action against the Islamic Republic, one of the US' most secretive aircraft quietly entered the skies above the US capital. On the night of June 17, the E-4B Nightwatch — a hardened airborne command centre built to keep America's top defence and security officials operational during a nuclear crisis — made a flight to Joint Base Andrews. Known as the 'doomsday plane,' the aircraft was spotted by flight trackers taking an unusually circuitous route to Washington, triggering speculation about its timing and purpose. What is the E-4B Nightwatch? The E-4B Nightwatch is a militarised version of the Boeing 747-200. It was repurposed by the US military into a flying war room. It is formally known as the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) and is designed to function as a mobile command post during a nuclear conflict or national catastrophe. When ground-based communication or leadership infrastructure is compromised, the E-4B helps top American officials to continue coordinating operations from the sky. It functions as an airborne command centre, enabling the President, Secretary of Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff to maintain command, control and communication capabilities during times of national emergency. Why is it called the 'doomsday plane'? The aircraft is built to withstand nuclear blasts, electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) and other extreme disruptions. It is often described as the 'flying Pentagon' because of its ability to operate as a command-and-control centre even in the event of full-scale war. The E-4B has an unrefuelled endurance of 12 hours, but with mid-air refuelling, it is known to have remained airborne for as long as 35.4 hours, according to a report in The New York Post. Is its recent flight a cause of concern? E-4B flights are not uncommon. They are conducted regularly to maintain operational readiness — this particular sortie stood out. As per data from flight tracking site FlightRadar, the aircraft departed Bossier City, Louisiana, shortly before 6 pm, local time, on June 17 and touched down in Maryland around 10 pm, The New York Times reported. What drew attention was the flight path, which curved along the eastern coastline and looped over Virginia and North Carolina before heading to Maryland. Even more unusual was the callsign — instead of the routine ORDER6, the aircraft used ORDER01. E-4B flight amid geopolitical tensions? The flight coincided with an escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. US President Donald Trump has demanded Iran's 'unconditional surrender' as the conflict continues to escalate, according to AP. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a warning to the US, threatening 'irreparable damage' if it directly intervened. FlightRadar data showed two Iranian government aircraft departed the country's airspace on Wednesday for Oman. It fuelled speculation that Iranian officials might be evacuating amid rising tensions, or that urgent diplomatic talks were being arranged in Muscat, Oman's capital, reported The New York Post. How many E-4B aircraft are there? The United States Air Force operates four E-4Bs, all as part of the 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron. At any given time, at least one aircraft is on high alert and ready for immediate deployment.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Doomsday Plane spotted in D.C. — what is it and who's behind the mysterious aircraft?
What is the doomsday plane? Live Events Why did the doomsday plane land in Washington now? What can the Doomsday Plane actually do? Feature Details Crew Capacity Up to 112 personnel Endurance Over 35 hours (can extend with aerial refueling) Protection Shields from EMPs, nukes, and cyber attacks Communication Secure global communications & satellite links Is President Trump aboard the doomsday plane? What's happening between Iran and Israel right now? Who's operating the aircraft? Is Iran's end near? Could this mark the beginning of a broader military escalation? The U.S. Doomsday Plane (E-4B Nightwatch) landed near D.C. after an unusual flight from Louisiana. It serves as a mobile command post during nuclear or national emergencies. The flight happened as President Trump considers striking Iran's nuclear facilities. Rising Iran-Israel tensions and U.S. military movements suggest heightened alert. No official word yet on the mission or whether Trump was aboard the plane. FAQs: (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A U.S. Air Force E-4B Nightwatch, widely known as the 'Doomsday Plane,' made an unusual flight from Louisiana to Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night, sparking growing speculation as tensions escalate between Iran and Israel. The aircraft, designed for use during nuclear war or national emergencies, took a winding and irregular path, adding to the concern among military analysts and aviation development comes as President Donald Trump considers military action against Iran's nuclear sites, while regional instability intensifies. The rare flight of the E-4B — which serves as the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) — signals potential preparation for emergency E-4B Nightwatch, often referred to as the 'Doomsday Plane,' is one of four such aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force. Its primary function is to serve as a mobile command center for the President, Secretary of Defense, and senior military leaders during catastrophic events, such as nuclear planes are built to withstand nuclear blasts, cyberattacks, and electromagnetic pulses, and they can stay airborne for up to a week thanks to in-flight refueling capabilities. Each aircraft can carry up to 112 personnel and is equipped with 67 satellite dishes and antennas to ensure uninterrupted communication across the E-4Bs occasionally fly training missions, the timing, route, and destination of this flight — especially amid the current geopolitical crisis — have raised red E-4B took off from Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana, around Tuesday evening and arrived at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, after about four hours, according to data from public flight trackers. Its erratic flight pattern deviated from standard military training routes, further fueling speculation about the nature of the flight coincided with growing fears of a regional war in the Middle East, where Israel is reportedly stepping up military operations against Iran, including the possibility of striking nuclear sites. The presence of this aircraft near Washington hints at heightened readiness in U.S. defense isn't just any airplane. The E-4B can stay in the air for, and with mid-air refueling, it can fly for. It's packed with analog instruments to withstand digital warfare, and it can carry over 100 people — including military commanders, intelligence officers, and senior of now, it's unclear whether President Donald Trump was on board the E-4B Nightwatch. Officials have not issued a statement confirming the passengers or the purpose of this mission. However, given that the aircraft serves as a presidential airborne command post, its use is typically reserved for urgent situations involving top-level light of recent comments, where Trump said, 'I may do it, I may not do it – nobody knows what I'm going to do,' regarding a strike on Iran's nuclear program, the movement of this plane is viewed by many as a sign of increased alertness within U.S. national security between Iran and Israel have escalated rapidly. In recent days, President Trump demanded Iran's unconditional surrender, signaling a hardline stance. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, rejected the U.S. threat outright, stating, 'The Iranian nation isn't frightened by such threats.'Amid this back-and-forth, Israel is reportedly preparing for broader military engagement with Iran, heightening the risk of a regional conflict. While the U.S. has not confirmed whether it will join Israel's offensive, the movement of military assets like the E-4B could indicate strategic plane is run by the, based at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. This elite unit is trained to keep the chain of command alive, even if Washington is under aircraft is part of a four-plane fleet that's been in service for decades — and is now undergoing a $13 billion modernization effort to prepare for future the question many are now asking — especially after the Doomsday Plane's sudden between the U.S. and Iran have been rising sharply in recent weeks, with President Donald Trump making renewed threats and reports of increased military posturing in the region. The E-4B's flight path — combined with its rare 'ORDER01' callsign — suggests this wasn't a routine no official comment links the flight directly to Iran, military analysts believe it could be a: the U.S. is prepared for any scenario, including full-scale retaliation. If diplomacy fails and conflict escalates, the Doomsday Plane ensures American leadership can still function from the sky — even in the middle of a experts are closely watching the signals coming from Washington. The deployment of the E-4B Nightwatch, though not unprecedented, often points to crisis scenarios or preparation drills for potential wartime leadership that the E-4B was last significantly used on 9/11, its recent activity sends a powerful message. As one of the few U.S. military aircraft that can remain operational even during a nuclear conflict, its flight near D.C. in this political climate is deeply this is a preemptive readiness exercise or a precursor to actual conflict, remains uncertain. However, with Middle East tensions rising and the White House weighing options, this development suggests a serious level of used as a flying command center for emergencies like nuclear landed amid Trump's possible Iran strike plans and rising Middle East tensions.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
What is ‘doomsday plane'? E-4B Nightwatch lands in Washington DC as Trump weighs Iran strike
One of the US military's most secretive aircraft, the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, often dubbed the 'doomsday plane' landed at the Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, DC, on Tuesday night. The flight's appearance came amid mounting tensions in the Middle East, reported The New York Post. The aircraft, which serves as an airborne military command center capable of operating through nuclear war or national catastrophe, departed from Bossier City in Louisiana shortly before 6 pm and touched down shortly after 10 pm. As per the report, the E-4Bs frequently fly to maintain readiness. This particular mission, however, stood out due to its non-standard coastal flight path, which looped around Virginia and North Carolina before it reached Maryland. What's more puzzling to aviation trackers was the aircraft's use of the callsign ORDER01, a break from its routine identifier ORDER6. The aircraft's unexpected route and callsign prompted speculation that the mission might have been non-routine or urgent in nature. The timing of the flight sparked further intrigue since it arrived just as President Donald Trump issued a call for Iran's 'unconditional surrender' in response to escalating Israeli airstrikes, which have killed over 639 Iranians, as per the Associated Press. Soon after Trump's condition, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned the US of 'irreparable damage' should it become directly involved, the report stated. Adding to the mystery, two Iranian government aircraft reportedly departed for Oman, fueling speculations of emergency diplomacy or evacuation operations. Also read: Iran Israel war live updates: Israel claims Iran used missiles with multiple warheads Commonly referred to as the 'Flying Pentagon', the E-4B is intended to be used by the President, Secretary of Defense, and senior military commanders in the event of nuclear war or a catastrophe negatively impacting US infrastructure. The flying fortress is hardened to protect against electromagnetic pulses and nuclear blasts, and it is capable of carrying nearly 67 satellite dishes and antennas to maintain worldwide communication capabilities. It can be airborne for over 35 hours due to mid-air refueling, and it is essentially the nexus of the US National Command Authority during crises. The flight of the aircraft in Washington comes shortly after renewed attention to the fleet, with the US Air Force managing a $13 billion program to modernize and/or replace the ageing Nightwatch aircraft. It is a mobile military command center built to operate during nuclear war or national emergencies, capable of coordinating responses from the air. The nickname reflects its role as a last-resort command hub during worst-case scenarios like nuclear war. While not officially disclosed, its flight coincided with rising tensions between the US, Iran, and Israel. Yes, the US maintains a small fleet of four E-4B aircraft, all operated by the US Air Force's 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Trump's Nuclear Attack ‘Doomsday Plane' Arrives In Washington
A U.S. Air Force "Doomsday Plane" arrived at Joint Base Andrews Tuesday night, fueling speculation of a potential U.S. role in the escalating Israel-Iran crisis. The E-4B Nightwatch aircraft landed at the military facility in suburban Washington, D.C., as speculation grows over potential U.S. military action in Iran. Newsweek has contacted the Pentagon for comment by email. The timing of the E-4B's deployment comes amid heightened tensions as President Donald Trump is reported to be inching closer to ordering military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. While the White House hasn't commented on the aircraft's latest movement, social media users are speculating it signals potential military readiness from the United States. The E-4B "Nightwatch,"dubbed the "Doomsday Plane" is a militarized Boeing 747. It serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and is a key component of the National Military Command System for the president, the secretary of defense and the joint chiefs of staff. In a national emergency or loss of ground command, the aircraft "provides a highly survivable command, control and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders, and coordinate actions by civil authorities," the U.S. Air Force said. It was used during the September 11, 2001 attacks. The use of an atypical callsign—"ORDER01" instead of the usual "ORDER6"—fueled speculation about the nature of its current mission. It's unclear whether it latest flight from Barksdale Air Force Base near Bossier City, Louisiana, to Joint Base Andrews was a routine operation, or a precautionary move, but Newsweekpreviously reported that it is most likely no more than a show of force. The E-4B Nightwatch can remain airborne for extended periods, capable of refueling mid-air. Protected against electromagnetic pulse attacks, and capable of surviving a nuclear blast, the plane is equipped with advanced satellite communications, shielding technologies, and can accomodate more than 100 people "In case of national emergency or destruction of ground command and control centers, the aircraft provides a highly survivable command, control and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders, and coordinate actions by civil authorities," the U.S. Air Force said. The aircraft's arrival coincided with reports that Trump is considering military action against Iran's nuclear facilities. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that the president privately approved operational attack plans while stopping short of authorizing an attack. Multiple sources said Trump remains undecided about launching strikes, amid doubts over whether American Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs could destroy Iran's deeply buried and heavily fortified Fordow nuclear plant near the city of Qom. Meanwhile, Israel and Iran are exchanging air and missile strikes, intensifying already-severe regional tensions. Senior officials told numerous outlets, including CNN, that Trump is less convinced by diplomatic options and increasingly open to military intervention. President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday: "I'm not looking to fight. But if it's a choice between fighting and [Iran] having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do, and maybe we won't have to fight." Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran, said in a public address: "The Americans should know that any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage. The U.S. entering in this matter is 100 percent to its own detriment. The damage it will suffer will be far greater than any harm that Iran may encounter." The foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain have scheduled nuclear talks in Geneva on Friday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, according to Reuters. Related Articles The U.S. Has Never Been a Bigger Target for Terrorism. Trump Is Why | OpinionTrump's Military Crackdown on Los Angeles Was Unconstitutional | OpinionJuneteenth Is Under Attack Because It Tells the Truth About Power | OpinionPope Leo Is Shaping Up To Be Trump's Most Effective Moral Opponent | Opinion 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
