‘Doomsday Plane’ flies over nuclear command centre as Middle East tensions soar
The Boeing E-4B “Nightwatch” aircraft, also known as the “Doomsday Plane,” is used as a flying command post for top officials during crises, including the US president and secretary of war
E-4B advanced airborne national command post aircraft being refuelled(Image: Getty)
US President Donald Trump’s emergency command aircraft circled a nuclear command centre as a Middle East peace deal got sacked.
The Boeing E-4B “Nightwatch” aircraft, also known as the “Doomsday Plane,” is used as a flying command post for top officials during crises. Officials including the US president, vice president and secretary of war.
The aircraft made several loops above the Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska on Monday, April 6.
The aircraft is heavily modified and designed to survive nuclear blasts and electromagnetic pulses.
Flight tracking data showed the aircraft leaving the air base at 10.17am ET and circling at least six times.
The endeavour comes as Iran rejected a ceasefire proposal which could have created a path for an end to the war in the Middle East.
The US and Israel carried out joint strikes several Iranian sites on February 28. Iran responded by striking sites cross the Middle East, plunging the region into chaos.
Monday’s flight sparked theories that it could somehow be connected to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Trump threatened to rain “hell” on Tehran if it did not agree to a deal by Tuesday to reopen a vital route for global energy supplies.
Iranian state media reported on Monday that Tehran wants a permanent end to the conflict as it dismissed a plan put forward overnight by Pakistan who is mediating talks.
The military base is also home to the fleet of E-4B jets and the flight could be part of a routine exercise to ensure the craft is prepared for a real-world emergency.
The airspace south and southeast of Offutt is commonly used for exercises due to its lower civilian air traffic.
