Donald Trump is once again stirring up speculations: His so-called "Doomsday Plane", the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, has unexpectedly shown up in Los Angeles. The rare sight of this highly secure aircraft has aroused observers – what are the reasons behind it?
On board the modified Boeing 747 was U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, along with media representatives. The flight was part of his "Arsenal of Freedom" tour, intended to showcase the U.S.'s defense capabilities. The aircraft departed from Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, initially flew to Washington D.C., and finally landed in California.
The E-4B Nightwatch is considered one of the best-protected aircraft in the world. It is designed to withstand even electromagnetic pulses after a nuclear attack. Thanks to air refueling, it can stay in the air for days on end. As a mobile command center, it is meant to serve as a safe retreat for the President and the Defense Secretary in global crises.