Sierra Nevada Corporation, has purchased five Boeing 747 passenger jets from Korean Air

A US firm, Sierra Nevada Corporation, has purchased five Boeing 747 passenger jets from Korean Air to create the next generation of nuclear "Doomsday" planes. These planes, also known as E-4B "Nightwatch," serve as command-and-control centers for the US military in the event of a national emergency or nuclear war. The Doomsday planes are designed to withstand electromagnetic pulses and can carry over 100 people, including the US president, secretary of defense, and members of the Joint Chiefs, to control US forces worldwide.

The current fleet of Doomsday planes, which entered service in the 1980s, will be upgraded with the newer and larger 747-800 airframes. Sierra Nevada Corporation was awarded a $13 billion contract by the US Air Force to develop and produce the Survivable Airborne Operations Center, the official name of the new Doomsday plane, with completion expected by 2036.

The purchase of the Korean Air jets is part of a mid- to long-term plan to introduce new aircraft, and the deal is expected to be completed by September 30, 2025. Korean Air had nine 747-800 passenger jets in its fleet as of October 2023. Sierra Nevada Corporation has also opened a 100,000-square-foot aircraft repair, maintenance, and overhaul facility at Dayton International Airport in Ohio, with a second hangar of similar size under construction.

The Doomsday planes are a critical component of the US military's command and control structure, providing a secure and reliable platform for leaders to coordinate responses to national emergencies. The upgrade to the newer 747-800 airframes will provide increased capabilities and reliability, ensuring the continued effectiveness of the Doomsday planes in supporting US national security.

The sale of the Korean Air jets to Sierra Nevada Corporation marks a significant milestone in the development of the next generation of Doomsday planes. The project highlights the importance of investing in critical military capabilities and the role of private industry in supporting national security. As the US military continues to evolve and adapt to emerging threats, the Doomsday planes remain a vital component of its command and control structure, providing a secure and reliable platform for leaders to respond to national emergencies.