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Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Friday (September 11) for the 18th BRICS Summit, drawing international attention not only to his visit to India but also to the heavily modified aircraft used to transport him.

Putin arrived aboard one of Russia’s two specially configured Ilyushin Il-96-300PU presidential aircraft, widely nicknamed the “Flying Kremlin” and sometimes described as a “Doomsday Plane.”

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Nobody, barring his security, knows in which of the two planes Putin, who is one of the most heavily protected world leaders, travelled to India.

All about ‘Doomsday Plane’

The aircraft is designed to provide the Russian president with secure communications and enhanced protection during international travel.

The Il-96-300PU is a heavily customised version of Russia’s Il-96 wide-body aircraft. It contains secure communications systems and other specialised equipment intended to allow the Russian leadership to maintain communications while airborne.

Live updates from BRICS Summit

The “Flying Kremlin” has Aviadvigatel PS-90A turbofan engines. It can fly about 11,000 kilometres at a time, eliminating the need for multiple refuellings during long journeys.

The aircraft, which is 55.35 metres long with a wingspan of 60.12 metres, is operated by Russia’s Special Flight Squadron that handles all presidential travel. A private presidential suite with bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, dining area and a conference room is part of the aircraft.

“Doomsday plane” doesn’t mean the aircraft can fly through a nuclear explosion or survive a direct hit. Rather, it is designed to increase the survivability of the command system after a nuclear attack or other catastrophic event.

Putin pitches for new investment platform

Meanwhile, Putin on Friday pitched a new investment platform to fund projects in trade, infrastructure, logistics and technology across BRICS, while stressing that the grouping’s expanding economic cooperation was “not against anyone” and aimed instead at advancing the national interests of its members.

Addressing a gathering of BRICS business leaders ahead of the summit, Putin said Russia was ready to work with partners on infrastructure and logistics projects, including the Arctic Transport Corridor and North-South Transport Corridor, as well as cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, unmanned transport, finance, tourism and industry.

“We are not against anyone,” Putin said. “We are in favour of our interests,” while asserting that BRICS remained open to cooperation with the wider world.

Putin said the proposed NDB-based investment platform would seek to mobilise private-sector funding and make BRICS economies more competitive. He expressed hope that other BRICS members would support the initiative.