Putin’s ‘Doomsday’ plane which allows him to continue ruling Russia if nuclear war breaks out is seen flying near Moscow
- The Il-80 Maxdome has been passing low over the outskirts of Moscow
- Russia says it will be showcased in the Victory Day parade on Monday
- It has not been used in the parade since 2010 as Russia sends message to West
Vladimir Putin’s special ‘Doomsday’ plane which allows him to continue ruling Russia during a nuclear war has been seen flying around Moscow in recent days.
A chilling video shows the Ilyushin Il-80 passing low over the outskirts of the city amid tension that he will resort to atomic weapons over the conflict in Ukraine.
But Russian officials have insisted the aircraft will be showcased with a low flypast at Monday’s annual Victory Day parade on Red Square, and is involved in ‘rehearsals’ for the display.
Vladimir Putin’s special ‘Doomsday’ plane which allows him to continue ruling Russia during a nuclear war has been seen flying around Moscow
The giant Soviet-era aircraft is windowless apart from the cockpit and known as the ‘Flying Kremlin’
Russian officials have insisted the aircraft will be showcased with a low flypast at Monday’s annual Victory Day parade on Red Square
The giant Soviet-era aircraft – windowless apart from the cockpit and known as the ‘Flying Kremlin’ – has not been seen at a Victory Day commemoration – marking defeat of Hitler and end of the Second World War – since 2010.
Its reappearance is a sign Putin wants to send a warning message to the West.
The Il-80 Maxdome will be escorted by two MiG-29s as it flies low over St Basil’s Cathedral.
Ramming home Russia’s nuclear readiness, strategic missile carriers Tu-95MS and Tu-160 ‘White Swan’ will be part of the fly-past.
A fifth-generation Su-57 fighter and Tu-22M3 long-range bombers will be on display.
The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed that eight MiG-29SMTs will fly in the form of the letter ‘Z’ in support of Russian servicemen participating in a special military operation in Ukraine.
It has not been seen at a Victory Day commemoration – marking defeat of Hitler and end of the Second World War – since 2010 (pictured)
The Il-80 Maxdome will be escorted by two MiG-29s as it flies low over St Basil’s Cathedral
Critics see the ‘Z’ sign as akin to the swastika in Nazi Germany.
The lumbering Il-80 Maxdome is designed to act as a Kremlin-in-the-sky in the event of nuclear attack, and can be refuelled in mid-air.
Putin would be able to rule Russia and issue commands to his military for nuclear strikes from the airborne command post.
A large ‘canoe’ for satellite communications sits atop its fuselage in the front, with large antennae in its aft.
The tail of the aircraft also houses a winch for a towed, very low-frequency (VLF) antenna.
Horizontal stabilisers also have space for more sensors or communication antennas.
The aircraft has two large electrical generator pods inwards of its engines.
A retractable fuelling probe is below the cockpit.
The planes are due to be replaced by more modern Ilyushin 96-400M’s, allowing the Russian leader more comfort as he controls troops and missiles during a nuclear catastrophe.
The first of the new airborne command and control planes is now under construction, said a source in the military-industrial sector, but is not believed to be ready yet.
In an embarrassing security lapse, one of the four existing planes was infiltrated and robbed last year as it was undergoing a refit in Russian city Taganrog, on the Sea of Azov.
Some 39 pieces of radio equipment were stolen after a cargo hatch was opened.
The equipment contained precious metals gold and platinum which is seen as a possible motive for the theft.
It weighed several kilograms.
Local taxi driver Zhora Khachunts, 36, was detained over the embarrassing heist but claimed he was being framed.
Russian gossip columnist Bozhena Rynska said: ‘How sweet. The leadership will push the red button and travel behind Urals on a ******* cool plane.
‘And we will stay as radioactive ash.’