Russia is constructing two new “Doomsday” planes, officially known as airborne command posts, designed to ensure the country’s leadership can maintain control and communication in the event of a nuclear war. State news agency TASS reported the development, citing a source within the defense industry. These aircraft are intended to replace the aging fleet of Ilyushin Il-80 planes currently in service.
The new Doomsday planes are based on the Ilyushin Il-96-400M, a modern wide-body airliner, offering significant improvements over the older Il-80s. These upgrades include extended operational range, enhanced communication capabilities, and increased resistance to electronic warfare. They are designed to withstand the effects of a nuclear blast, allowing top military and political leaders to direct operations even if ground-based infrastructure is destroyed. The planes will be equipped with advanced communication systems to relay orders to strategic nuclear forces, including land-based missile silos, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and long-range bombers.
The development of these new airborne command posts underscores Russia’s continued emphasis on nuclear deterrence and its commitment to maintaining a credible second-strike capability. In a world of geopolitical instability, the message Moscow intends to deliver is one of preparedness and unwavering resolve. While details about the project are scarce, its existence signals a clear intention to uphold its nuclear arsenal’s effectiveness as a response to external threats.
