Trump's Nuclear Attack 'Doomsday Plane' Arrives In Washington
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A U.S. Air Force "Doomsday Plane" arrived at Joint Base Andrews Tuesday night, fueling speculation of a potential U.S. role in the escalating Israel-Iran crisis.
The E-4B Nightwatch aircraft landed at the military facility in suburban Washington, D.C., as speculation grows over potential U.S. military action in Iran.
Newsweek has contacted the Pentagon for comment by email.
Members of the U.S. Air Combat Command Security Forces guard the E-4B Nightwatch plane on September 28, 2013 at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland.
Members of the U.S. Air Combat Command Security Forces guard the E-4B Nightwatch plane on September 28, 2013 at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland.
Jacquelyn Martin-Pool/Getty Images
Why It Matters
The timing of the E-4B's deployment comes amid heightened tensions as President Donald Trump is reported to be inching closer to ordering military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. While the White House hasn't commented on the aircraft's latest movement, social media users are speculating it signals potential military readiness from the United States.
What To Know
The E-4B "Nightwatch,"dubbed the "Doomsday Plane" is a militarized Boeing 747. It serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and is a key component of the National Military Command System for the president, the secretary of defense and the joint chiefs of staff.
In a national emergency or loss of ground command, the aircraft "provides a highly survivable command, control and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders, and coordinate actions by civil authorities," the U.S. Air Force said.
It was used during the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The use of an atypical callsign—"ORDER01" instead of the usual "ORDER6"—fueled speculation about the nature of its current mission.
It's unclear whether it latest flight from Barksdale Air Force Base near Bossier City, Louisiana, to Joint Base Andrews was a routine operation, or a precautionary move, but Newsweek previously reported that it is most likely no more than a show of force.
The E-4B Nightwatch can remain airborne for extended periods, capable of refueling mid-air. Protected against electromagnetic pulse attacks, and capable of surviving a nuclear blast, the plane is equipped with advanced satellite communications, shielding technologies, and can accomodate more than 100 people
"In case of national emergency or destruction of ground command and control centers, the aircraft provides a highly survivable command, control and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders, and coordinate actions by civil authorities," the U.S. Air Force said.
The aircraft's arrival coincided with reports that Trump is considering military action against Iran's nuclear facilities.
The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that the president privately approved operational attack plans while stopping short of authorizing an attack.
Multiple sources said Trump remains undecided about launching strikes, amid doubts over whether American Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs could destroy Iran's deeply buried and heavily fortified Fordow nuclear plant near the city of Qom.
Meanwhile, Israel and Iran are exchanging air and missile strikes, intensifying already-severe regional tensions.
Senior officials told numerous outlets, including CNN, that Trump is less convinced by diplomatic options and increasingly open to military intervention.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday: "I'm not looking to fight. But if it's a choice between fighting and [Iran] having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do, and maybe we won't have to fight."
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran, said in a public address: "The Americans should know that any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage. The U.S. entering in this matter is 100 percent to its own detriment. The damage it will suffer will be far greater than any harm that Iran may encounter."
What Happens Next
The foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain have scheduled nuclear talks in Geneva on Friday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, according to Reuters.
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