Latest news with #E-4BNightwatch
NDTV
an hour ago
- Politics
- NDTV
US "Doomsday Plane" That Can Withstand Nuclear Blast Lands In Washington As Trump Mulls Iran Strike
As US President Donald Trump considers a potential strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, one of America's "doomsday planes" made a flight to Joint Base Andrews in Washington on Tuesday night. According to the New York Post, the E-4B Nightwatch - a plane designed to protect the Secretary of Defence and other national security officials and keep the government operating in the time of nuclear war - was spotted by flight trackers. The aircraft departed from Bossier City, Louisiana, on Tuesday evening and landed in Maryland around 4 hours later, after a long, winding route. What is a "doomsday plane"? A "doomsday plane" is a highly specialised aircraft operated by the US Air Force and serves as a National Airborne Operations Centre (NAOC). The US has four E-4Bs that serve as an airborne command centre for the President, Secretary of Defence and the Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication in case of emergencies. According to the Post, each E-4B Nightwatch can contain a crew of up to 112 people and has a range of more than 7,000 miles. They are capable of withstanding nuclear blasts, cyberattacks and electromagnetic effects, and are quipped to fire retaliatory missiles. Moreover, the plane has thermal and nuclear shielding and can communicate with anyone anywhere in the world, thanks to the 67 satellite dishes and antennas contained in its ray dome. The aircraft can also remain airborne and operate in-flight for an entire week without needing to land. It can refuel in mid-air as well. Iran-Israel conflict The deployment of the E-4B Nightwatch comes at a time when the US President demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" as the conflict between the Iranian regime and Israel intensifies. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, rejected Trump's calls on Wednesday, saying that Iran "will never surrender". "The US President threatens us. With his absurd rhetoric, he demands that the Iranian people surrender to him. They should make threats against those who are afraid of being threatened. The Iranian nation isn't frightened by such threats," he said. Trump, on the other hand, has declined to say whether the United States will join Israel in its military offensive against Iran to ensure Tehran does not develop a nuclear weapon. "I may do it, I may not do it - nobody knows what I'm going to do," the US President said.
India.com
3 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
Israel-Iran war: US ‘Doomsday Plane' built to survive nuclear attack spotted in…, What does this indicate? It can stay in air for 35 hrs, refuel in…
As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to rise in the Middle East, a special US military aircraft called the 'Doomsday Plane' was seen taking off on Tuesday. The flight has raised new questions about whether the US is getting ready for a bigger conflict in the region. This plane, officially called the E-4B Nightwatch, is no ordinary aircraft. It is built to act as a flying command center in case of a nuclear war or national emergency. It allows top US military and political leaders to stay connected and make key decisions even during the worst crisis. On Tuesday, the E-4B took off from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana shortly before 6 PM (US time). It stayed in the air for over four hours before landing at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland around 10 PM. Advertisement === What caught everyone's attention this time was the callsign used during the flight. Instead of the usual 'ORDER6', the aircraft used 'ORDER01', a new and never-before-seen identifier. This has led to speculation about whether the flight was part of a regular exercise or something more serious. While the US has not officially said why the plane was in the air, its timing during a period of growing Middle East tension has sparked concerns among experts and observers. Advertisement === Is the US preparing for war? While these aircraft are regularly flown to stay ready for emergencies, the timing of this particular flight has raised eyebrows. The plane took off just as former President Donald Trump made a bold statement demanding Iran's 'unconditional surrender', while also expressing full support for Israel's military actions. The message came amid growing violence in the region, with recent Israeli airstrikes hitting parts of Iran, including suspected nuclear sites. In response, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a strong warning: 'This country will not surrender to anyone, neither in war nor under an imposed peace proposal.' Various media reports said that at least 224 people have died due to the recent attacks in Iran. The situation is tense, and both sides are standing firm. Though the US government has not made any official statement suggesting it is preparing for war, the movement of such a high-level aircraft during a moment of high tension suggests Washington is staying ready for any serious escalation. What is the 'Doomsday Plane'? The E-4B Nightwatch, often nicknamed the 'Doomsday Plane' or the 'Flying Pentagon', is one of the most powerful and secure aircraft in the world. Its main job is to act as a mobile command centre in case of a national emergency, especially during a nuclear attack or any situation where ground communication systems are destroyed. Built to survive the worst This special aircraft is designed to withstand nuclear blasts and electromagnetic pulses (which can wipe out electronics). It is equipped with 67 satellite dishes and antennas, allowing constant communication with military leaders and world leaders even during the worst possible scenarios. Inside, the E-4B has three floors that include: A briefing room A conference area A communications zone And even 18 sleeping bunks for long missions Thanks to its ability to refuel in mid-air, the plane can stay in the sky for over 35 hours without landing. When has it been used before? It was used by President George W. Bush during the 9/11 attacks, and also in 1995 during Hurricane Opal, when the FEMA team was flown in it. Whenever this plane is spotted, it usually signals that something serious is happening.. Why it matters now While the US military says such flights are routine, the timing of this latest one right when tensions between Iran and Israel are growing has made many people wonder if it's more than just a drill. The situation is especially tense with reports of over 200 deaths in Iran following recent Israeli airstrikes on nuclear sites, and strong words exchanged between world leaders.
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First Post
4 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
9 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.
Sky News AU
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
US E-4B ‘doomsday plane' makes unexpected flight to Washington DC as Donald Trump weighs Iran strike
One of America's 'doomsday planes' made flight to Joint Base Andrews in Washington, DC Tuesday night as President Trump weighs whether to strike Iran's nuclear facilities. The E-4B Nightwatch – which was designed to protect the Secretary of Defense and other national security officials and keep the government operating in the time of nuclear war – was spotted by flight trackers, and made a long, winding route to the capital. The aircraft left Bossier City, Louisiana just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday and landed in Maryland at 10 p.m. after skirting the coast and looping around the border of Virginia and North Carolina, data from flight tracking site FlightRadar shows. Confusion was sparked after the flight issued an unusual callsign, ORDER01 instead of the usual ORDER6, according to flight data. The US fleet of four E-4Bs makes regular flights year-round to maintain military readiness. The E-4B serves as an airborne command center for the President, Secretary of Defense, and the Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication in case of emergencies. Each E-4B Nightwatch can contain a crew of up to 112 people and has a range of more than 7,000 miles. Their importance to the US Air Force is demonstrated in the fact that they feature unique capabilities which cannot be copied by any other US Air Force aircraft. They are capable of withstanding nuclear blasts, cyberattacks and electromagnetic effects, and are equipped to fire retaliatory missiles. The aircraft also has thermal and nuclear shielding and can communicate with anyone anywhere in the world, thanks to the 67 satellite dishes and antennas contained in its ray dome. They are designed to remain airborne and operate in-flight for an entire week without needing to land and can also refuel in mid-air. The longest an E-4B has been known to stay in the air is 35.4 hours. With 18 bunks, a briefing room, teamwork area, conference room, command room, and designated rest area spread across three decks, the aircraft is designed to be a 'Flying Pentagon' in the event of a national emergency. President George W. Bush's Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, used the E-4B as his primary mode of transportation. The mission may be linked to increased presidential security amid soaring tensions in the Middle East, some observers suggested. The US Air Force is in the process of replacing its fleet of E-4B Nightwatch aircraft. Last April, a $13 billion contract was signed with Sierra Nevada Corporation to develop a replacement for the aircraft, the Aviationist reported. It comes as President Trump demanded Iran's 'unconditional surrender' as the conflict between the Iranian regime and Israel intensified. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, rejected President Trump's calls on Wednesday, despite the latest airstrikes on Tehran forcing thousands to flee the Iranian capital. At least 224 people have been killed in Iran since Israel launched its bombing campaign on the Islamist regime last week. Two Iranian governmental aircraft left the country's airspace on Wednesday bound for Oman, FlightRadar data shows. This sparked speculation that the senior Iranian leadership were either fleeing their besieged country, or that emergency peace talks were set to take place in the Omani capital, Muscat. Originally published as US E-4B 'doomsday plane' makes unexpected flight to Washington DC as Donald Trump weighs Iran strike
