US increases ‘Doomsday planes’ operations for potential nuclear attack

Amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, the operational activity of the US “Doomsday planes” has significantly increased due to concerns over potential nuclear conflict.

Multiple flights of the US Navy’s E-6B Mercury strategic airborne command aircraft have been tracked via flight data since February 28, according to a report by the UK’s Daily Mail.

Built on a Boeing 707 airframe, these aircraft serve as airborne command centers during nuclear operations, capable of transmitting orders to nuclear submarines, land bases, and satellites under directives from the US President or Secretary of Defense.

Flight data shows that on March 2, two E-6B planes conducted special missions in the US. One landed at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland after departing from the Gulf of Mexico, while the other returned to Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska following a local sortie.

Subsequent reports indicate additional planes are crossing the Atlantic towards the Persian Gulf.

However, the Pentagon declined to comment, citing operational security.

These aircraft are part of the TACAMO (Take Charge and Move Out) mission, ensuring that nuclear command and control remains functional even if conventional communication networks are destroyed.

The mission has gained renewed importance following Iranian missile attacks on US bases and embassies in the Middle East.

Reports suggest Russia has shared intelligence with Tehran, further heightening international tensions.

The E-6B Mercury, introduced in the 1980s, remains the US military’s most resilient strategic airborne platform. With a 22-member crew, it can fly nearly 7,000 miles continuously and remain airborne for almost three days through in-flight refueling.


Source: The Express Tribune