US ‘Doomsday Plane’ took to the skies amid global tensions — What’s going on? | Today News

Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, widely known as the “Doomsday Plane” — the most secretive aircraft in the US military’s arsenal — made a rare public appearance this week, sparking speculation amid heightened global tensions.

Designed to function as an airborne command centre during nuclear war or national catastrophe, the aircraft was seen flying across multiple US locations, including Washington, DC and Los Angeles, according to reports.

Videos and livestreams of the landing at LAX quickly went viral on social media, prompting questions about the purpose of the unusual flight.

US media outlets later confirmed that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was aboard the aircraft. The plane reportedly departed from Joint Base Andrews and flew to Los Angeles.

However, the Pentagon has not explained why the E-4B was used instead of a standard government aircraft.

The E-4B Nightwatch serves as the National Airborne Operations Center, a flying command post for the president, defence secretary and senior military leadership during worst-case scenarios.

Based on a modified Boeing 747-200, the aircraft is hardened against electromagnetic pulses, equipped with advanced communications systems and can remain airborne for days with in-flight refuelling. At least one of the four E-4Bs is kept on continuous standby.

Up to 110 personnel can be on board, including command staff, intelligence teams and communications specialists.

While the fleet conducts routine training flights each year, public sightings are extremely rare, adding to the intrigue surrounding this week’s movements.

The flight comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions, including a widening US military campaign linked to Venezuela and the recent capture of President Nicolás Maduro, who has been transferred to New York to face criminal charges.

Although officials have not offered no link between these events and the E-4B’s movement, the timing has fueled speculation online.

Whether the aircraft’s deployment was routine logistics, heightened security precautions, or a strategic signal remains unclear. US officials have so far declined to comment, leaving analysts and observers watching closely for further developments.