Why did Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “Flying Kremlin” become the world’s most tracked flight as soon as it reached India? Two aircraft, changing transponders and tight Delhi security… Is there any big secret hidden behind this high-profile tour?
New Delhi. The flight of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is visiting India, has created a stir across the world. According to aircraft tracker platform Flightradar24, the government plane carrying Putin “Flying Kremlin” became the most tracked flight in the world. It is rare that a visit by a head of state is tracked live on such a large scale. As the aircraft moved towards India, airspace observers, security analysts and aviation enthusiasts from across the world kept an eye on the flight.
What makes Putin’s ‘Flying Kremlin’ so special?
Russia’s presidential aircraft Ilyushin IL-96-300PU, known as the Flying Kremlin, is counted among the most secure and technologically advanced presidential aircraft in the world. It is a modified version of the IL-96-300, a four-engine aircraft, which includes missile-defense suite, jamming systems and high-security communication technologies. In a way, it can be called the Rashtrapati Bhavan flying in the air, hence its name Flying Kremlin. This aircraft is not only equipped with state-of-the-art security technology, but it also houses Putin’s office, meeting room, medical facility and anti-missile protection. Putin, one of the world’s most protected leaders, rarely travels abroad without this aircraft and his Aurus Senate armored limousine.
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Why was Putin’s flight the most tracked – was something hidden?
According to Flightradar24, two Russian aircraft were heading towards India. One aircraft would occasionally switch off its transponder while the other kept it on. This shifting pattern became extremely exciting to aviation watchers around the world, as the transponder is the system that transmits the aircraft’s location and flight data. This unique movement continues to make this flight the most tracked flight globally.
Did Putin-Modi meeting increase security alert in Delhi?
Yes, due to this high-profile visit, security was tightened in Delhi. Delhi Traffic Police issued a major advisory and announced diversion and rolling closure on several routes in Central Delhi from 9 am to noon. People were advised to avoid all these areas – ITO, Netaji Subhash Marg, Pragati Maidan Tunnel, Rajghat, BSZ Marg, Hanuman Setu. Along with this, layered deployment of anti-drone systems, police and paramilitary and continuous coordination between Indian agencies and Putin’s security team continued. There was a possibility of intermittent traffic jams near government offices, so people were appealed to use the metro.
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Is this visit of Putin the beginning of a new chapter in India-Russia relations?
During this two-day visit, many important issues related to defence, trade and strategic partnership are going to be discussed between the two leaders. The thrill of the flight, the high alert of security and the discussion of ‘Flying Kremlin’… all together indicate that this meeting is not just a visit but can also be the beginning of a new turn in India-Russia relations.