A rare public sighting of one of America's most secretive aircraft, the so-called 'doomsday plane' used by President Donald Trump, has sparked intrigue after it was spotted in Los Angeles this week.
The Rare Sighting and Official Explanation
The modified Boeing 747, officially known as the Advanced Airborne Command Post (AACP) and designated the E4-B Nightwatch, was observed landing in the Californian city on Thursday, January 10, 2026. However, officials moved quickly to quell any alarm, confirming the aircraft's presence was part of a planned public engagement campaign.
The jet was carrying US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and media correspondents as part of his 'Arsenal of Freedom' tour. This initiative is designed to highlight American defence capabilities and has also functioned as a recruitment drive for the armed forces.
Capabilities and History of the 'Nightwatch'
The E4-B is a formidable piece of technology, engineered to serve as a mobile command centre during a global crisis or catastrophic attack. It is designed to withstand an electromagnetic pulse and can stay airborne for extended periods thanks to its aerial refuelling capability.
Its evocative nickname, 'Nightwatch', is drawn from the famous Rembrandt painting of the same name, which depicts citizens guarding a town. The aircraft is crewed around the clock and is routinely deployed to a secondary airport near the President's location during overseas trips, standing by in case Air Force One is compromised.
For instance, it tracked Donald Trump during his state visit to the UK last year. Its most documented use was following the September 11, 2001 attacks, when it protected President George W. Bush. There is no public evidence it has been used operationally by successors Barack Obama, Joe Biden, or Trump.
Before this week's appearance, the elusive plane had largely stayed out of the public eye for several years. Flight trackers recorded it leaving its home at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, on Tuesday, with a stop in Washington, DC, before arriving in LA.
Global Context and Future of the Fleet
While the sighting is unusual, the US is not alone in maintaining such a capability. Other world leaders have similar airborne command posts:
- Vladimir Putin relies on a windowless, nuclear-resistant 'flying Kremlin', the Ilyushin Il-80, and a fleet of adapted Il-96-300PU aircraft.
- Chinese leader Xi Jinping uses a converted Boeing 737-800 for his secure travels.
The current US 'doomsday' fleet is also in the process of being modernised. Boeing 747-8I aircraft have already been procured to be modified into the next generation, known as the E4-C airborne command posts, ensuring this critical national security function continues into the future.
