What is Doomsday Plane E-4B, and why has it landed in DC

Jun 20, 2025 Khushi Kumari

Amid rising Middle East tensions, the E‑4B Nightwatch—nicknamed the "Doomsday Plane" landed at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, DC

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The Boeing E‑4B is a hardened airborne command center for U.S. leaders, functioning as a “flying Pentagon” during nuclear or national emergencies

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Designed to survive nuclear blasts, EMPs, and cyberattacks, it features shielded systems, 67+ antennas, and no critical windows

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Thanks to in-flight refueling, a single E‑4B can stay airborne for days—35+ hours tested, with potential for a full week

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It can host 110+ personnel, including the President, senior defense and military leaders, for crisis decision-making

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The flight followed an unusual coastal route from Louisiana and used the rare callsign ORDER01—raising eyebrows

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The movement coincided with Israeli airstrikes on Iran and escalating rhetoric—from Trump demanding surrender to Iran issuing warnings

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