Latest news with #BoeingE-4BNightwatch
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
MAGA voters want Donald Trump to strike on Iranian military as 'doomsday plane' flies to Washington
About 65 per cent of MAGA voters want US to strike on Iran as President Donald Trump keeps his thoughts about this ambiguous, a poll revealed. 19 per cent opposed the idea, JL Partners, which conducted the survey with New York Post claimed. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'This poll makes clear: the Republican base is not isolationist. They back forceful US and Israeli action to stop Iran, and see Israel's fight as America's fight,' James Johnson, co-founder of the New York-based JL Partners, said in a statement. The poll comes as MAGA is split between the choices with Georgia Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson, conservative commentators Charlie Kirk, Steve Bannon advocating for maintaining a safe distance from the Middle East conflict. They are reminding the MAGA voters that Trump came to power promising that America would not fight war overseas. Doomsday plane flies to Washington Amid the tension, the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, one of the doomsday planes, made a rare flight to Joint Base Andrews near Washington Tuesday night. The plane is a mobile command post in case of any emergency or if any nuclear conflict breaks out. What Trump said on reports that he approved strike on Iran The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump told his top aides that he approved a plan to strike Iran, but no final order was given. Trump dismissed the report and said the Wall Street Journal had no idea what his thoughts are about Iran. What Trump officially said about joining the war is that he may or he may not. Trump also called for Iran's unconditional surrender, which Iran rejected. Pete Hegseth, Trump's defence secretary, told a Senate committee that the Pentagon was prepared to execute any order given by Trump. Iran's mission to the UN mocked Trump in posts on X, calling him a "has-been warmonger clinging to relevance" and adding that no Iranian official would "grovel at the gates of the White House".
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
What is ‘doomsday plane'? E-4B Nightwatch lands in Washington DC as Trump weighs Iran strike
One of the US military's most secretive aircraft, the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, often dubbed the 'doomsday plane' landed at the Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, DC, on Tuesday night. The flight's appearance came amid mounting tensions in the Middle East, reported The New York Post. The aircraft, which serves as an airborne military command center capable of operating through nuclear war or national catastrophe, departed from Bossier City in Louisiana shortly before 6 pm and touched down shortly after 10 pm. As per the report, the E-4Bs frequently fly to maintain readiness. This particular mission, however, stood out due to its non-standard coastal flight path, which looped around Virginia and North Carolina before it reached Maryland. What's more puzzling to aviation trackers was the aircraft's use of the callsign ORDER01, a break from its routine identifier ORDER6. The aircraft's unexpected route and callsign prompted speculation that the mission might have been non-routine or urgent in nature. The timing of the flight sparked further intrigue since it arrived just as President Donald Trump issued a call for Iran's 'unconditional surrender' in response to escalating Israeli airstrikes, which have killed over 639 Iranians, as per the Associated Press. Soon after Trump's condition, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned the US of 'irreparable damage' should it become directly involved, the report stated. Adding to the mystery, two Iranian government aircraft reportedly departed for Oman, fueling speculations of emergency diplomacy or evacuation operations. Also read: Iran Israel war live updates: Israel claims Iran used missiles with multiple warheads Commonly referred to as the 'Flying Pentagon', the E-4B is intended to be used by the President, Secretary of Defense, and senior military commanders in the event of nuclear war or a catastrophe negatively impacting US infrastructure. The flying fortress is hardened to protect against electromagnetic pulses and nuclear blasts, and it is capable of carrying nearly 67 satellite dishes and antennas to maintain worldwide communication capabilities. It can be airborne for over 35 hours due to mid-air refueling, and it is essentially the nexus of the US National Command Authority during crises. The flight of the aircraft in Washington comes shortly after renewed attention to the fleet, with the US Air Force managing a $13 billion program to modernize and/or replace the ageing Nightwatch aircraft. It is a mobile military command center built to operate during nuclear war or national emergencies, capable of coordinating responses from the air. The nickname reflects its role as a last-resort command hub during worst-case scenarios like nuclear war. While not officially disclosed, its flight coincided with rising tensions between the US, Iran, and Israel. Yes, the US maintains a small fleet of four E-4B aircraft, all operated by the US Air Force's 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron.
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First Post
10 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
‘Doomsday plane' seen in Washington: What does this indicate amid Israel-Iran conflict?
Called the 'Doomsday plane', the E-4B Nightwatch caught attention after making an unexpected flight from Louisiana to Maryland in the US on Tuesday. Built to withstand nuclear blasts, cyberattacks, and electromagnetic interference, the aircraft is equipped to coordinate counterattacks if required. While the fleet of four E-4Bs routinely takes to the skies for preparedness, some believe this specific flight may be linked to heightened security concerns amid growing fears of a prolonged war in West Asia read more Each E-4B can carry up to 112 personnel and has a flight range of over 7,000 miles. Reuters/File Photo As US President Donald Trump weighs the option of launching a strike on Iran amid its ongoing tensions with Israel, one of America's 'Doomsday planes' was seen flying to Joint Base Andrews in Washington, DC, on Tuesday night. The flight has led to renewed questions about whether Washington is getting ready for a possible full-scale conflict. Read Israel Iran conflict live updates Notably, Trump has repeatedly raised the idea of the US joining Israel in targeting Iran's nuclear facilities. In response, Iran's supreme leader has issued a fresh warning, saying the US would face strong retaliation if it carries out any attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The situation puts Trump and the world in a difficult position, as he tries to balance his aim of keeping the US out of another war while also stopping Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. ALSO READ | Operation Sindhu: How India rescued its first batch of nationals from Iran But what exactly is the 'Doomsday plane'? How dangerous is its deployment? And does this mean the US is preparing for war? Let's get you all the answers: Boeing E-4B Nightwatch: All about the 'doomsday plane' Also known as the 'Doomsday plane', the E-4B Nightwatch caught attention after it made a sudden flight from Louisiana to Maryland on Tuesday. This aircraft acts as an airborne command centre for the President, Defence Secretary, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, helping them maintain secure communications and coordination during crises. It took off from Bossier City at 5:56 pm ET, flew along the coastline, circled near the Virginia-North Carolina border, and landed at Joint Base Andrews at 10:01 pm. The aircraft is designed to fly for up to a week without landing and is capable of refuelling mid-air. Reuters/File Photo The flight lasted just over four hours and led to speculation online, particularly because it used the callsign ORDER01, different from its usual code ORDER6. Each E-4B can carry up to 112 personnel and has a flight range of over 7,000 miles. Its value to the US Air Force lies in its unique features, which are unmatched by any other American military aircraft. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Built to resist nuclear explosions, cyber threats, and electromagnetic interference, the plane is equipped to launch counterattacks if needed. Dear Americans, did you know that...? The US President's "doomsday plane" E-4B has landed near Washington, as reported by Defence Index. The last time such actions took place was on September 11, 2001, after the terrorist attack on the "twin towers".This plane can withstand a — HeyTam (@HeyTam) June 18, 2025 According to the New York Post, it has shielding to withstand thermal and nuclear impacts and can maintain communication with any part of the world using 67 satellite receivers and antennas inside its dome. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The aircraft is designed to fly for up to a week without landing and is capable of refuelling mid-air. The longest known continuous flight by an E-4B is 35.4 hours. Its interior includes 18 beds, a room for briefings, areas for coordination and discussions, a command space, and rest zones, spread across three levels, turning it into a 'Flying Pentagon' during emergencies. The E-4B has been used during major incidents. Former US President George Bush flew in a similar aircraft after the 9/11 attacks, and in 1995, Fema (Federal Emergency Management Agency) officials travelled on one during Hurricane Opal. The plane's appearance is often seen as a signal of a serious event involving the US. Although the fleet of four E-4Bs regularly takes to the skies to stay prepared, some believe this particular mission may relate to growing security concerns for the President amid rising fears of a prolonged war in West Asia. ALSO READ | Iran's exiled prince claims Supreme Leader Khamenei 'hiding like a rat'. Who is Reza Pahlavi? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Is US preparing for a war in West Asia? The aircraft's recent flight took place around the same time as Donald Trump called for Iran's 'unconditional surrender' and promised complete backing for Israel's military moves. In response, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , dismissed the US demands and issued a warning that American military action would bring 'irreparable damage to them.' 'Americans should know that any military involvement by the US will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them,' he said. Khamenei made the statement a day after Donald Trump posted on social media, asking Iran to surrender without any conditions. He also warned Khamenei that the US was aware of his location, adding that there were no plans to kill him, 'at least not for now.' Although Trump earlier kept some distance from Israel's surprise strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, he has recently suggested the US may play a bigger role, saying he is aiming for more than just a ceasefire. Notably, more American fighter jets and warships have also been deployed to the region. A US official told Associated Press that Washington currently has no role in the talks, though that might change. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel vs Iran: What's happening? On Thursday, Israel's armed forces said they launched another round of airstrikes on Tehran and other locations in Iran, but gave no further details. The offensive has targeted several Iranian nuclear and defence sites, killing high-ranking generals and nuclear scientists. A US-based Iranian rights organisation reported that at least 639 people, including 263 civilians, have died in Iran, with over 1,300 injured. In return, Iran has launched about 400 missiles and many drones, killing at least 24 people in Israel and injuring hundreds. Some of the strikes hit residential buildings in central Israel, causing massive destruction. Iran has launched about 400 missiles and many drones. Reuters Internet access across Iran, already unstable for several days, completely failed on Wednesday. NetBlocks, a group that monitors online connectivity, confirmed a 'near-total national internet blackout.' Iran's Communications Ministry said the blackout was intentional, claiming it was needed to stop Israel from using the country's networks for military purposes. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Boeing E-4B Nightwatch: US's 'Doomsday Plane' lands in Washington. Here's all about the 'Flying Pentagon'
One of America's highly secretive 'doomsday planes,' the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch , made an unusual flight to Joint Base Andrews near Washington, DC, on Tuesday night, raising eyebrows as Middle East tensions intensify. The aircraft, designed to serve as a flying military command center during nuclear conflict or national emergency, left Bossier City, Louisiana, just before 6 p.m. and landed shortly after 10 p.m., according to New York Post reports. Unusual Route and Mysterious Callsign Flight tracking data showed the E-4B taking a nonstandard coastal route, curving around Virginia and North Carolina before landing in Maryland. Even more intriguing was its use of the callsign ORDER01, rather than its typical ORDER6, prompting speculation online. Some flight watchers suggested the mission was non-routine or potentially of high urgency. While E-4Bs fly regularly to maintain readiness, this particular sortie drew attention for its timing. The aircraft took off as former President Donald Trump issued a sharp demand for Iran's 'unconditional surrender' following intensified Israeli airstrikes. In response, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any U.S. action would lead to 'irreparable damage.' Analysts suggest the E-4B's deployment could be linked to heightened military alertness amid fears of escalation. What Is the E-4B Nightwatch? Nicknamed the 'Flying Pentagon,' the E-4B is an airborne command post designed for use by the President, Secretary of Defense, and senior military leaders during crises. The plane can withstand nuclear blasts and electromagnetic pulses and is capable of launching retaliatory strikes. It boasts 67 satellite dishes and antennas for global communication, and thanks to mid-air refueling, it can stay airborne for over 35 hours. Possible Link to Iranian Movements Adding to the intrigue, reports surfaced that two Iranian government aircraft had departed for Oman, sparking rumors of emergency diplomacy or evacuations. Khamenei also issued new threats against Israel, blaming it for recent strikes that killed over 220 Iranians. Live Events Though the true purpose of Tuesday's E-4B mission remains classified, its timing has reignited public interest in the aircraft's strategic role. The U.S. Air Force is currently working on a $13 billion program to replace the aging fleet with next-generation models. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
US 'doomsday plane' flies to Washington: Boeing E-4B Nightwatch speculated to be operational amid tensions with Iran; what it means
The Boeing E-4B Nightwatch is also dubbed as the 'flying Pentagon' One of America's so-called "doomsday planes," the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, made a rare flight to Joint Base Andrews near Washington, DC, on Tuesday night, as tensions continue to rise between Iran and Israel. The aircraft serves as a mobile command post in the event of a nuclear conflict or other national emergency. The plane left Bossier City, Louisiana, shortly before 6pm and landed just after 10pm, reports the New York Post. Flight data showed it took an unusual path along the coast and around the border of Virginia and North Carolina before touching down in Maryland. The plane was seen using the unfamiliar callsign ORDER01, instead of its typical ORDER6, sparking speculation online, with some suggesting it signalled a non-routine or priority mission. Flight watchers quickly noted the deviation. Symbol of high-level readiness Although the E-4B Nightwatch makes routine flights throughout the year to ensure operational readiness, Tuesday's mission drew attention due to the timing. The aircraft took off just as US President Donald Trump ramped up threats against Tehran, demanding Iran's "unconditional surrender" in the face of increased Israeli airstrikes. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected the demand on Wednesday, saying, "This nation will not surrender to anyone in the face of imposition." He warned that any US military intervention would cause "irreparable damage." Observers suggest the E-4B flight could be part of a broader effort to bolster presidential security and military preparedness amid fears of escalation in the Middle East. What is the E-4B Nightwatch? The E-4B is designed to function as an airborne command centre for the US President, Secretary of Defence and top military officials during a crisis. Its most famous operational use was on September 11, 2001, when it was deployed following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. The plane is built to withstand a nuclear strike. It features advanced shielding against electromagnetic pulses, thermal effects, and cyberattacks. The aircraft is also equipped to launch retaliatory missiles and contains 67 satellite dishes and antennas for global communication. The E-4B can stay airborne for over 35 hours and is designed to operate for up to a week without landing due to mid-air refuelling capability. Inside, the plane features three decks including briefing rooms, a command centre, communications facilities, 18 bunks and a rest area, earning it the nickname "Flying Pentagon." A link to ongoing conflict The flight came just hours before reports emerged that two Iranian government aircraft had left the country for Oman, fuelling rumours of emergency talks or senior leadership evacuations. Accompanying this were fresh warnings from Khamenei that Israel would be punished for its "huge mistake" in launching the bombing campaign that has killed at least 224 people in Iran. The real reason for Tuesday's E-4B flight has not been confirmed, but its timing during rising global tensions has renewed public interest in one of America's most secretive planes. As one of four in operation, the plane's role in national defence remains both symbolic and strategic. The US Air Force is currently working on a $13 billion programme to replace the ageing fleet, with Sierra Nevada Corporation developing the next generation of Nightwatch aircraft.
