Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), an American company, has acquired five Boeing 747 jets previously operated by Korean Air. These jets, originally used for civilian travel, will undergo conversion for specialized military use. SNC, which recently secured a $13 billion contract with the US Air Force to develop a replacement for the E-4B Nightwatch, also known as the Doomsday plane, is overseeing this acquisition.
The E-4B Nightwatch, renowned as the Doomsday Jet, is highly esteemed for its ability to withstand nuclear warfare and function as an emergency command centre. Valued at approximately $674 million, the five Korean-flagged Boeing 747s have been grounded for at least two of the past five years due to disruptions in global air traffic caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. SNC is expected to take possession of these aircraft by the third quarter of 2025, as reported by Reuters.
Currently, the US Air Force relies on the E-4B Nightwatch, a Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post, for its airborne military command functions. However, SNC has been tasked with developing the next-generation nuclear doomsday plane to succeed the current Nightwatch. This initiative aims to ensure the US possesses a modernized command and control centre in the skies for national emergencies, including nuclear war scenarios.
While a company spokesperson acknowledged the acquisition report, further details were not disclosed. The American Air Force assigned SNC the responsibility of developing the Survivable Airborne Operations Center on April 26, with a project deadline set for 2036, as announced by the Defense Department.
Ann Stefanek, an Air Force spokesperson, emphasized the significance of this project for national security, stating that the development of this critical weapon system ensures the Department’s Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications capability remains operationally relevant and secure for decades to come. The weapon system will comprise a Commercial Derivative Aircraft to meet operational requirements, which will be hardened and modified to meet military standards.