Kathrine Frich
More than 17,000 people followed its every movement
Vladimir Putin’s trip to Alaska marks the first time he has stepped on US soil in ten years.
His last visit was during the Obama era, long before the invasion of Ukraine and the deep freeze in relations.
This journey is especially notable because it comes while the International Criminal Court has an active arrest warrant against him.
The Most-Watched Flight in the World
Putin’s Ilyushin Il-96 became the single most tracked plane in the world during its Arctic journey.
More than 17,000 people followed its every movement on Flightradar24, watching as it left Moscow, crossed the North Pole, and approached Anchorage.
Such levels of public monitoring are rare for presidential aircraft, especially for one carrying such a politically sensitive passenger.
The ‘Flying Kremlin’
The jet carrying Putin is known as the “Flying Kremlin,” a mobile fortress in the sky.
It is fitted with secure satellite communications, encrypted phone lines, and advanced radar systems.
Its defences include countermeasures to deflect missiles, allowing the president to maintain command and control during crises, even in the event of a nuclear confrontation.
Built for Power and Comfort
Inside, the Il-96-300PU combines political power with personal luxury.
There are conference rooms for high-level meetings, private offices, and a lavishly decorated lounge area.
The interiors are designed to match the Kremlin’s grandeur, with gold accents, leather seats, and technology built to operate securely at high altitudes for long periods.
Longer Wingspan than Air Force One
Putin’s aircraft has a wingspan of 60 metres, slightly wider than that of the American Air Force One.
While it is around 50 feet shorter, the Il-96 is built for a different balance of speed, efficiency, and comfort.
Both aircraft serve as mobile command posts, but the Russian model is slower, cruising at around 900 km/h compared to the American plane’s faster cruising speeds.
Capable of Flying 11,500 km Without Refuelling
The Il-96 can travel over 11,500 kilometres on a single tank, allowing direct flights between Moscow and Anchorage without stopping.
This range comes from its four-engine design and large fuel capacity, although some official numbers about the tanks have been disputed.
The ability to make the trip nonstop avoids the diplomatic complications of landing in third countries.
An Unusual Open Transponder
For much of the trip, the plane’s transponder remained on, meaning anyone could track its location in real time.
Most high-profile government flights turn these systems off for security, making this an unusual choice.
Some analysts believe it was a deliberate move to project transparency and confidence before the highly anticipated summit.
Escorted and Protected
Putin’s jet was accompanied by support planes and had ground security prepared well in advance in Anchorage.
Once in Alaska, he will travel in an Aurus Senat L700 limousine, which was flown in ahead of time and is fitted with armour, a sealed cabin, and a Porsche-designed engine.
A Symbolic Meeting Point
Alaska is geographically significant, at its closest point, Russia’s Big Diomede Island is just 2.4 miles from America’s Little Diomede across the Bering Strait.
Holding the summit here underscores how physically close the two countries are, even as their relations remain tense.
It also avoids the political and legal risks of Putin setting foot in Washington, D.C.
Arrival Before High-Stakes Talks
The meeting in Alaska is set to take place at Elmendorf–Richardson Air Force Base under heavy guard.
Putin and Trump will meet first in private, with only translators present, before bringing in their delegations.
The agenda is expected to include Ukraine, sanctions, and economic cooperation, topics that could have far-reaching consequences for global politics.
