On August 14, multiple Il-96-300s from the Special Flight Squadron departed Moscow for Anchorage, marking a rare entry into US airspace.
History is about to be made in Alaska of all places. The far end of the United States, one of the least populated states in the Union is becoming the seat of what might very well be the resetting of global relations on a scale and magnitude not seen since the Potsdam Conference of 1945.
Everyone knows that President Donald Trump will be riding to Anchorage from Washington, DC on board Air Force One, the presidential aircraaft. But little is known in the West about the massive presidential plane in which Russian President Vladimir Putin will roll up to the conference.
About Putin’s Plane
Russia’s Ilyushin Il-96-300, often dubbed the “Flying Kremlin,” is a wide-body, long-range airliner used for prestige diplomatic visits of the kind that Putin and his advisers have embarked upon. Putin’s plane can trace its roots to the late Soviet era, emerging as a successor to the Il-86 airliner. Developed by the Ilyushin Design Bureau in the 1980s, the aircraft aimed to provide a modern, long-haul option for commercial and governmental use.
Its maiden flight occurred on September 28, 1988, with Russian certification following on December 29, 1992.
Initially designed for passenger transport, the Il-96-300 entered service in July 1993, powered by four Aviadvigatel PS-90A turbofan engines, each delivering up to 35,000 pounds of thrust.
The presidential variant that Putin flies on, known as Il-96-300PU—where “PU” denotes “Punkt Upravleniya,” or “command post,” and is unconnected to the Russian leader’s surname—was customized for VIP transport. Introduced in the early 2000s, this bird features extensive modifications for security and comfort. Russia’s Special Flight Squadron, part of the State Transport Company “Rossiya,” operates a fleet of these aircraft.
By 2021, the squadron boasted five Il-96-300PUs, with the newest added in April of 2021. This evolution reflects Russia’s push for self-reliance in aviation—especially in the face of Western sanctions that were imposed after the various rounds of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine since 2014.
The Il-96-300’s Specifications
- Year Introduced: 1992
- Number Built: 33 (all variants)
- Length: 55.35 m (181 ft 7 in)
- Wingspan: 60.12 m (197 ft 3 in)
- Weight: 250 t maximum takeoff weight
- Engines: 4 Aviadvigatel PS-90 jet engines
- Top Speed: Mach 0.84 (623 mph)
- Range: 10,000 km (6,200 mi)
- Service Ceiling: 13,100 m (43,000 ft)
- Aircrew: 3 (cockpit)
The Il-96-300PU’s presidential configuration elevates it beyond a standard airliner. Equipped with a glass cockpit, fly-by-wire controls, and winglets for improved efficiency, the presidential plane includes advanced avionics with six multi-function color LCD displays. Security features are paramount: secure communication systems, missile defense countermeasures, and even a nuclear command button for emergency scenarios.
Interiors, meanwhile, boast luxury more akin to a flying palace than an airliner. Like Air Force One, the Russian “Flying Kremlin” sports conference rooms, bedrooms. Unlike Air Force One—and probably much more to Trump’s liking—the Flying Kremlin boasts gold-plated fittings.
Il-96-300PU can carry up to 262 passengers in a two-class setup.
Putin Is Arriving in Style
On August 14, multiple Il-96-300s from the Special Flight Squadron departed Moscow for Anchorage, marking a rare entry into US airspace. The lead aircraft, carrying Kremlin staff and journalists, landed at Ted Stevens International Airport, followed by others—potentially transporting Putin and his delegation, though which one carries the Russian president is unknown. Special permissions were granted for the Russian jets, highlighting the summit’s importance in addressing the Ukraine War.
The summit between Trump and Putin is to be held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Flight tracking data showed the planes navigating the approximately 3,728-mile journey.
From its Soviet origins to serving as Putin’s airborne fortress, this aircraft blends innovation with diplomacy. The plane’s unique appearance and massive size—coupled with the fact that interactions with Russia have been kept to a minimum since the start of the Ukraine War—has captivated many Westerners. It shows just how far Russia has come since its dark post-Cold War days and how fundamentally different Russia is from the United States and the rest of the West. Whatever becomes of the conference, the aircraft involved in transporting the two respective world leaders are impressive.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest. Recently, Weichert became the host of The National Security Hour on America Outloud News and iHeartRadio, where he discusses national security policy every Wednesday at 8pm Eastern. He is also a contributor at Popular Mechanics and has consulted regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, The Asia Times, and others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Telsek.
