Boeing E-4B Nightwatch: US’s ‘Doomsday Plane’ lands in Washington. Here’s all about the ‘Flying Pentagon’

One of America’s highly secretive “doomsday planes,” the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, made an unusual flight to Joint Base Andrews near Washington, DC, on Tuesday night, raising eyebrows as Middle East tensions intensify. The aircraft, designed to serve as a flying military command center during nuclear conflict or national emergency, left Bossier City, Louisiana, just before 6 p.m. and landed shortly after 10 p.m., according to New York Post reports.

Unusual Route and Mysterious Callsign

Flight tracking data showed the E-4B taking a nonstandard coastal route, curving around Virginia and North Carolina before landing in Maryland. Even more intriguing was its use of the callsign ORDER01, rather than its typical ORDER6, prompting speculation online. Some flight watchers suggested the mission was non-routine or potentially of high urgency.

While E-4Bs fly regularly to maintain readiness, this particular sortie drew attention for its timing. The aircraft took off as former President Donald Trump issued a sharp demand for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” following intensified Israeli airstrikes. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any U.S. action would lead to “irreparable damage.” Analysts suggest the E-4B’s deployment could be linked to heightened military alertness amid fears of escalation.

What Is the E-4B Nightwatch?

Nicknamed the “Flying Pentagon,” the E-4B is an airborne command post designed for use by the President, Secretary of Defense, and senior military leaders during crises. The plane can withstand nuclear blasts and electromagnetic pulses and is capable of launching retaliatory strikes. It boasts 67 satellite dishes and antennas for global communication, and thanks to mid-air refueling, it can stay airborne for over 35 hours.

Possible Link to Iranian Movements

Adding to the intrigue, reports surfaced that two Iranian government aircraft had departed for Oman, sparking rumors of emergency diplomacy or evacuations. Khamenei also issued new threats against Israel, blaming it for recent strikes that killed over 220 Iranians.

Though the true purpose of Tuesday’s E-4B mission remains classified, its timing has reignited public interest in the aircraft’s strategic role. The U.S. Air Force is currently working on a $13 billion program to replace the aging fleet with next-generation models.