Putin’s Presidential Jet: The Most Tracked Flight to India

The journey of Russian President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi for critical talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi captivated the world’s attention today, with his presidential aircraft becoming the most intensely tracked flight globally. Online curiosity surged, as evidenced by the massive increase in viewership on flight tracking platforms. Flight Radar 24 confirmed the phenomenon, stating on X that a Russian government aircraft heading to India had become their most popular tracked flight. The two leaders were set to engage in a two-day summit in the Indian capital, covering a broad range of topics. President Putin received a personal welcome from Prime Minister Modi upon his arrival in New Delhi. Their agenda was expected to delve into defense cooperation, trade dynamics, and future strategic partnerships. During the hours leading up to the landing, sharp-eyed observers noticed a peculiar operational pattern involving two Russian aircraft. One jet’s transponder was intermittently switched off while the other maintained its signal, a tactic that persisted for a duration. The transponder is an essential piece of equipment that broadcasts an aircraft’s position and other critical flight data. For those familiar with President Putin’s meticulous travel security arrangements, the widespread global interest was hardly unexpected. His overseas missions are invariably accompanied by his formidable armored Aurus Senat limousine and the presidential jet, widely known as the ‘Flying Kremlin’. This specialized aircraft, an Ilyushin IL-96-300PU, is a modified version of the IL-96-300, a long-range airliner developed by the Ilyushin Design Bureau in the late 1980s. The aircraft first flew in 1988 and entered operational use in the early 1990s, evolving into a distinct emblem of Russian presidential movement. Today’s remarkable surge in flight tracking underscores the enduring global fascination with President Putin’s unique mode of transport, drawing unprecedented attention before its touchdown in India.