‘Air India One’, special aircraft equipped with missile defence systems lands at Delhi form US

JSN: The first (of two) specially modified Boeing 777 aircraft, part of the ‘Air India One’ fleet for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, landed on IGI Airport New Delhi form US on Thursday at 3.11 PM, said an official.

Air India had sent two Boeing 777 aircraft to modify for VVIP travel, capable of countering missile threats with their own missile defence system, called the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) and Self-Protection Suites (SPS), said an official.

In terms of security measures the modified aircraft are set to match the US President’s Air Force One. This modified Boeing 777 aircraft is especially equipped with missile defence systems and the latest defence protection suites.

The aircraft is operated as a VVIP flight by the Indian Air Force; will be used exclusively by Prime Minister, President and Vice President.

The delivery of the aircraft was delayed by more than a month due to “operational issues”, officials said.

This modified aircraft also have ‘Bharat’ and India written on them, along with the Ashoka emblem and configured to provide generous office space, meeting rooms, a wide array of communication systems and a section for handling medical emergencies.

The aircraft can fly between the US and India without having to stop for refuelling.