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Economic Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Doomsday Plane spotted in D.C. — what is it and who's behind the mysterious aircraft?
Agencies Doomsday Plane E-4B lands near D.C. as Trump weighs Iran strike. With rising Iran-Israel tensions, the powerful nuclear-ready aircraft's flight has sparked global concern. What does this unexpected movement mean for U.S. defense and global stability? Doomsday Plane lands near Washington as Trump weighs Iran strike amid rising Middle East tensions- 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 trackers. This 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 scenarios. The 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 war. These 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 globe. While E-4Bs occasionally fly training missions, the timing, route, and destination of this flight — especially amid the current geopolitical crisis — have raised red flags. The 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 mission. This 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 circles. This isn't just any airplane. The E-4B can stay in the air for over 35 hours without landing, and with mid-air refueling, it can fly for days at a time. It's packed with analog instruments to withstand digital warfare, and it can carry over 100 people — including military commanders, intelligence officers, and senior officials. 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 As 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 leadership. In 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 operations. Tensions 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 posturing. The plane is run by the U.S. Air Force's 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron, 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 attack. The 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 threats. That's the question many are now asking — especially after the Doomsday Plane's sudden appearance. Tensions 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 drill. While no official comment links the flight directly to Iran, military analysts believe it could be a strategic signal to Tehran: 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 war. Military 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 continuity. Given 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 symbolic. Whether 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 preparedness. 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. Q1. What is the Doomsday Plane E-4B Nightwatch used for? It's used as a flying command center for emergencies like nuclear war. Q2. Why did the Doomsday Plane land in Washington now? It landed amid Trump's possible Iran strike plans and rising Middle East tensions.
Economic Times
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Boeing E-4B Nightwatch: US's 'Doomsday Plane' lands in Washington. Here's all about the 'Flying Pentagon'
Doomsday Plane (Google Trends): Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, a rare flight of the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, America's "doomsday plane," occurred near Washington, D.C. The timing of the flight, coupled with an unusual route and callsign, has sparked speculation about its purpose. The E-4B serves as a mobile command center during nuclear war or national crisis, highlighting U.S. military preparedness. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Unusual Route and Mysterious Callsign What Is the E-4B Nightwatch? Possible Link to Iranian Movements ( Originally published on Jun 19, 2025 ) One of America's highly secretive 'doomsday planes,' the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch , made an unusual flight to Joint Base Andrews near Washington, DC, on Tuesday night, raising eyebrows as Middle East tensions intensify. The aircraft, designed to serve as a flying military command center during nuclear conflict or national emergency, left Bossier City, Louisiana, just before 6 p.m. and landed shortly after 10 p.m., according to New York Post tracking data showed the E-4B taking a nonstandard coastal route, curving around Virginia and North Carolina before landing in Maryland. Even more intriguing was its use of the callsign ORDER01, rather than its typical ORDER6, prompting speculation online. Some flight watchers suggested the mission was non-routine or potentially of high E-4Bs fly regularly to maintain readiness, this particular sortie drew attention for its timing. The aircraft took off as former President Donald Trump issued a sharp demand for Iran's 'unconditional surrender' following intensified Israeli airstrikes. In response, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any U.S. action would lead to 'irreparable damage.' Analysts suggest the E-4B's deployment could be linked to heightened military alertness amid fears of the 'Flying Pentagon,' the E-4B is an airborne command post designed for use by the President, Secretary of Defense, and senior military leaders during crises. The plane can withstand nuclear blasts and electromagnetic pulses and is capable of launching retaliatory strikes. It boasts 67 satellite dishes and antennas for global communication, and thanks to mid-air refueling, it can stay airborne for over 35 to the intrigue, reports surfaced that two Iranian government aircraft had departed for Oman, sparking rumors of emergency diplomacy or evacuations. Khamenei also issued new threats against Israel, blaming it for recent strikes that killed over 220 the true purpose of Tuesday's E-4B mission remains classified, its timing has reignited public interest in the aircraft's strategic role. The U.S. Air Force is currently working on a $13 billion program to replace the aging fleet with next-generation models.
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Business Standard
20-06-2025
- 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
20-06-2025
- 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.
India Today
20-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
What is Doomsday Plane E-4B, and why has it landed in DC? Should the world be worried?
On the morning of September 11, 2001, soon after two commercial jets rammed into the World Trade Centre towers, the TV news suddenly flashed what many journalists referred to as "a surreal and unexplained sight" – a large, unmarked white jumbo jet circling low over Washington, DC, directly above the White mysterious aircraft was identified as an E-4B Nightwatch, or the "Doomsday Plane". It is a highly-modified Boeing 747-200 aircraft that serves as the National Airborne Operations Centre (NAOC) for the US airborne, it becomes a mobile Pentagon, the headquarters of the US Department of Defence. The aircraft is spotted so rarely that on the fateful day in 2001, CNN journalist John King, reporting live from Lafayette Park across the White House, noted that such airspace (around the White House) is "generally restricted", and the presence of this aircraft even made US Secret Service agents hyper-alert, as per author Mark H Gaffney's 2007 research paper: "Why Did the World's Most Advanced Electronics Warfare Plane Circle Over The White House on 9/11".NBC journalist Bob Kur called it "the most surreal of this morning's scenes," describing a very slow, low flyover, the research paper also rarely-seen plane was spotted landing at Joint Base Andrews in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, raising fresh concerns about the US's readiness for a potential large-scale conflict in West Asia, where Israel and Iran are engaged in a full-blown war over Iran's alleged nuclear media is abuzz with speculation that the "Nightwatch's" landing in DC shows heightened alertness within US defence the US Air Force has time and again maintained that such flights are routine, as one of the reportedly four planes in the fleet is always on "alert status", ready to launch within aircraft's appearance in the media during volatile times is also viewed as a demonstration of military readiness and strategic ROLE OF THE DOOMSDAY PLANEThe E-4B Nightwatch, or the Doomsday Plane, is the nickname for a specially-modified military aircraft designed to serve as a survivable airborne command centre in the event of a nuclear war or national aircraft ensures that US military and civilian leadership, most notably the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defence, and top military commanders, can continue to command and control American forces even if ground-based facilities are aircraft is operated by the US Air Force's Air Combat the aircraft can directly communicate with nuclear submarines, bombers, and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos. It is equipped with Very Low Frequency (VLF) and High Frequency (HF) antennas that allow global communications, even during nuclear E-4B IS A FORTRESS IN AIRadvertisementThe jumbo jet was built to withstand a nuclear blast, electromagnetic pulse (EMP), and other forms of electronic warfare. The plane does not even have windows in critical areas, as it is designed to reduce vulnerability to jet is also equipped with shielded wiring and hardening to continue operating under severe conditions. The Doomsday Plane can stay airborne for days as it has in-flight refuelling technology, and can accommodate over 110 personnel aircraft is continuously updated with the latest technologies, including modern digital communications and hardened systems for cyber is also reportedly the backup for the Air Force One aircraft for the US President's overseas trips. However, military commanders also use them for various missions.A common myth about the aircraft is that it can launch nuclear weapons. It is a command centre, and not a weapons ORIGINS OF THE AIRCRAFTThe E-4B Nightwatch was developed during the Cold War, first entering service in the 1970s. It was originally designed under the Looking Glass programme to ensure the US could retaliate in case of a nuclear first strike by the Soviet suggest that during the Cold War, at least one Doomsday Plane was always airborne. However, after the Soviet Union collapsed, the E-4B no longer flew 24/7 but remained on ground fleet, however, may reportedly be upgraded in the coming years, given its high maintenance costs and the need for modernised Watch
