Doomsday Plane Takes Off: Boeing E-4B Sparks Nuclear Fears Amid Global Tensions
The ‘Doomsday Plane’, a presidential plane, had been seen in the recent Los Angeles airport (LAX), and there was a lot of online response. The sighting came at an era of tension after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife at home in their native country and had them flown to the U.S.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) January 11: The Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, commonly called the “Doomsday Plane” — the most secretive plane in the US military’s arsenal — made an uncommon public appearance this week, spurring speculation as tensions heat up globally.
Flight Path Revealed: From Omaha to DC and LA
It was supposed to serve as a command center, either in the context of nuclear war or national disaster, and reported to have flown over some US sites, including Washington, DC and Los Angeles.
Flight tracking has revealed that the E-4B left Omaha, Nebraska on Jan. 6 and then landed at Camp Springs, Maryland, near Washington, D.C. According to reports, the plane left Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Thursday (January 8).
Why Pete Hegseth Flew It: Pentagon's Silence Fuels Speculation
US media subsequently said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth flew the plane. The aircraft supposedly left Joint Base Andrews and flew to Los Angeles. The Pentagon did not say why the E-4B was used over a conventional federal plane.
It has been unclear whether the aircraft’s deployment was routine logistics, increased security measures or just a strategic message. US officials have yet to respond and analysts and observers are watching for new developments.
Doomsday Ready: EMP-Shielded 747 Built for Nuclear Command
In the worst case scenario, the president, defense secretary and other military leaders fly through the E-4B Nightwatch as the National Airborne Operations Center.
The aircraft is a variant of the Boeing 747-200 and it is protected from electromagnetic pulses, has sophisticated communications equipment and can remain in orbit for days on end thanks to in-flight refueling.
Post-9/11 Precedent: The Last Time E-4B Went Airborne
At least one of the four E-4Bs is deployed for constant standby. Approximately 110 passengers are allowed on board simultaneously. The E-4B can fly for up to 12 hours without refueling, and many more after filling up for refuel.
The E-4B has been operational only once following the 9/11 terror attack. A “doomsday” plane was set up and taken off as a flying command center to prepare the way for the United States government to take action.
Iran-Venezuela Shadows: Trump's Warnings Amid Rising Protests
The US was also drawn into the Iran tension as the Trump administration said it is closely monitoring protests amid tension with Venezuela.
Trump and US officials cautioned in public that Iran would not kill protesters. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, denounced Trump and announced his hands were covered with the blood of Iranians, while saying the crackdown on demonstrators would continue.
