A few days ago, a US military aircraft from the ranks of the so-called Doomsday fleet was transferred to Europe. One of 16 Boeing E-6B Mercury aircraft in service landed in Iceland on Tuesday, according to the United States European Command (USEUCOM). The jets serve as a command center for the US Navy’s nuclear submarines and can also fly ICBMs.
USEUCOM listed only “ongoing operations in area of responsibility” for the landing. According to a tweet, the crew also met with US Ambassador Carrin Patman, who is stationed in Iceland, and other diplomatic and senior military officials.
Reaction to withdrawal from New Start contract?
The fact that the handover was presented so publicly suggests that it is a signal to Russia. As is known, the Kremlin announced a week and a half ago that it is partially withdrawing from the New Start nuclear arms treaty agreed with the US. The Disarmament Treaty is the only remaining major arms control agreement between the US and Russia. The treaty limits both countries’ nuclear arsenals to 800 delivery systems and 1,550 operational warheads each. In addition, arrangements have been made for Washington and Moscow to exchange information on their strategic nuclear arsenals and conduct up to 18 verification visits per year. At the end of January 2021, Putin signed a negotiated agreement with the US to extend New START for another five years.
The “doomsday jet” could now be a response to the Kremlin’s move. The E-6B Mercury, which can serve as the US President’s command center in the event of a nuclear war, has multiple antennas to communicate on different frequencies. The jet can fly at a maximum speed of 981 km/h. A full tank is sufficient for 11,760 kilometers. Incidentally, there is always one copy in the air, so that permanent operational readiness is guaranteed.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
