VOICE OF DISSIDENT EUROPE: Vladimir Putin’s presidential aircraft is 100 per cent Russian-made.

His main plane is the Ilyushin Il‑96‑300PU. It is a heavily modified Russian-built widebody jetliner. The aircraft was designed by the Ilyushin Design Bureau and produced in Russia.

Details about Putin’s Airliner

Model: The flagship aircraft is the Ilyushin Il‑96‑300PU, where PU stands for ‘Command Point’ in Russian.

Origin: Built in Russia by the Ilyushin Design Bureau, the Il‑96 is a Soviet/Russian long-range, four‑engine widebody airliner.

Fleet: The Russian presidential fleet includes several Russian-made aircraft. These include the Ilyushin Il‑62, Tupolev Tu‑154, and Sukhoi Superjet 100.

Nickname: Often referred to as the Flying Kremlin or Russian Force One, symbolizing state power and prestige.

•       Capabilities:

•       Equipped with secure communications systems for command and control.

•       Features luxurious interiors with conference rooms, offices, and bedrooms.

•       Includes defensive systems to protect against missile attacks.

Comparison to Other Leaders’ Aircraft

•       United States: The U.S. president flies on a Boeing VC‑25A (modified 747), nicknamed Air Force One.

Russia: Putin’s Il‑96‑300PU is the Russian counterpart, fully domestically designed and produced, emphasising national aerospace independence.

Why It Matters

•       The use of a Russian-made aircraft highlights Russia’s reliance on domestic aerospace engineering for its leadership’s transport.

•       It serves as a symbol of sovereignty and technological capability, much like Air Force One does for the U.S.

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