Russian President Vladimir Putin jets abroad in the Il-96-300PU "Flying Kremlin," a secure command-post plane, paired with the bulletproof Aurus Senat limousine—a "fortress on wheels" resisting bullets, grenades, and chemicals. These symbols of power spotlight his India visit amid ultra-secretive protocols.
Aerial & Ground Arsenal
Putin's travel skips Western jets for the Soviet-era Ilyushin Il-96-300PU, upgraded with anti-missile defenses, nuclear command capabilities, and jammed comms for a mobile Kremlin. The 7m-long Aurus Senat, from Russia's 2013 Kortezh project, boasts VR10 armor, run-flat tires, and onboard oxygen—replacing Mercedes models.
Key Highlights
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Flying Kremlin Specs: Four PS-90A engines power 262-passenger luxury with secure links; world's most-tracked during India flight.
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Aurus Senat Fortress: Withstands armor-piercing rounds, grenade blasts; features fire suppression, escape hatches, ~$2.5cr price tag.
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India Visit Context: Senat joins Putin for Modi talks; previously shared with PM at SCO Summit; flown ahead for seamless ops.
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Broader Protocols: Fighter jet escorts, bodyguards, food labs, "poop suitcases" ensure total security abroad.
Sources: NDTV, Financial Express, Firstpost, Hindustan Times