Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Putin’s Flying Kremlin and Armoured Car Arrive for BRICS Summit
Vladimir Putin flew to New Delhi for a three-day visit to India.
He came to attend the BRICS Summit and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
His special airplane is called the “Flying Kremlin.”
It has rooms for sleeping, eating and holding meetings.
It also has special communication equipment so Putin can stay connected while flying.
Two similar airplanes reportedly flew together, and one acted as a decoy.
Putin also brought his own armoured Aurus Senat car.
The car was carried to India on a separate transport airplane.
These arrangements are designed to improve security during his trip.
Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi aboard a specially modified Ilyushin IL-96-300PU aircraft known as the “Flying Kremlin.”
His arrival began a three-day India visit for the BRICS Summit and talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Two identical presidential aircraft reportedly flew together, with one serving as a decoy to obscure Putin’s location.
The aircraft has protected communications, satellite links and defensive systems, allowing it to function as a mobile command centre.
Putin’s armoured Aurus Senat limousine was also transported to India aboard an Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft for his ground movements.
- Who
- Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to hold talks with him.
- What
- Putin arrived aboard a specially modified Ilyushin IL-96-300PU aircraft, while his armoured Aurus Senat limousine was also brought to India.
- When
- In the early hours of Friday, at the beginning of a three-day India visit.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- Why
- To attend the BRICS Summit and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Presidential aircraft
- Specially modified Ilyushin IL-96-300PU
- Aircraft nickname
- The “Flying Kremlin”; it is also sometimes called the “Doomsday Plane”
- Aircraft range
- Roughly 11,000 kilometres
- Aircraft engines
- Four Aviadvigatel PS-90A turbofan engines
- Aircraft dimensions
- Approximately 55.35 metres long with a 60.12-metre wingspan
- Reported aircraft facilities
- A presidential suite, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, dining areas and a conference room
- Presidential car
- Armoured Aurus Senat limousine transported by an Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft
