Pentagon Seeks $2.2 Billion for New 'Doomsday Plane' Development

The U.S. Air Force has requested $2.2 billion in funding for the development of a new E-4C nuclear command and control aircraft. This request, detailed within Pentagon budget documents, aims to establish an advanced E-4C airborne command post for fiscal year 2027. This funding represents a 23.2% increase compared to amounts allocated for the program in the current year. The rise in expenditures is attributed to significant expansion in engineering and testing work required for the project. The new aircraft will replace the older E-4B model and is expected to feature superior protection against nuclear explosions and electromagnetic pulses. This aircraft is designed to enable the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and other senior officials to command armed forces should ground headquarters be destroyed. The Pentagon has already finalized a development contract with Sierra Nevada Corporation, set to continue until the end of 2031, for the completion of this project. Furthermore, the Department of Defense plans to allocate approximately $3 billion for upgrading air base infrastructure, and over $5.4 billion for the acquisition of ready-made aircraft, with purchases scheduled to commence in 2029.