India is set to host the G20 summit in Delhi which will be held on September 9 and September 10. It will be attended by over 30 heads of state, top officials from the European Union, guest countries, and 14 heads of international organizations. Due to the large number of attendees, there will be a limit on the number of vehicles allowed in the carcade for guest countries.
A report from the Indian Express revealed that the Delhi Police has set a limit of 25 cars per party attending the event. The United States initially proposed to bring 75 cars as part of their convoy, while China suggested 46 vehicles. Other guest countries such as France, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates are also expected to bring their cars to the G20 summit. However, reportedly, the Chinese President is likely to skip the G20 Summit.
Now let’s look at the cars and planes owned by top G20 leaders which are trusted for their security and which they might use during their Delhi visit.
United States Of America
Air travel arrangements for the President are made by the White House Military Office and may use different types of aircraft depending on the flight and available runways. The first type is two customized Boeing 747-200B jetliners with military designation VC-25A. also known as Air Force One. This particular aircraft is designed to provide maximum security, especially in dangerous situations. It can withstand extreme scenarios, such as a nuclear war, thanks to its thermo-radiation shields.
Additionally, the US President also has access to the Doomsday plane, a highly-equipped Boeing 747 plane created for emergencies. The aircraft is designed to withstand a nuclear war with thermo-radiation shields and can fly for up to 620 hours without refuelling.
The Cadillac limousine, popularly known as “The Beast” is a heavily armored vehicle used by the President of the United States for ground transportation. It is a modified version of the Cadillac DTS designed to provide maximum protection for the President. The Beast features bulletproof glass, armour plating, run-flat tires, and a self-sealing fuel tank. Additionally, it comes equipped with tear gas dispensers, a fire suppression system, and a medical kit.
China
The Air China One is a Boeing 747-8 that serves as the international travel mode for the President of China. Additionally, the Chinese president uses Air Force 3701 as the presidential aircraft, which is operated by the Republic of China Air Force. The aircraft is equipped with various security features, such as a missile defence system, laser defence system, and communications jamming system.
For ground transportation, the Chinese president uses the Hongqi CA7600L or Hongqi L5, a luxurious retro sedan that provides a high level of protection. It has bulletproof glass, armour plating, and a self-sealing fuel tank.
Germany
Germany uses two Airbus A340-313X VIP aircraft, previously of Germany’s Lufthansa, redesigned by Lufthansa Technik in a VIP configuration, including sleeping rooms and an anti-missile system. Before that, the Luftwaffe One, a Boeing 767-300ER was used by the Chancellor of Germany for international travel. It is equipped with several security features, including a missile defence system.
In terms of cars, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard is an armoured sedan that is used by the Chancellor of Germany for ground transportation. It is equipped with bulletproof glass, armour plating, and a self-sealing fuel tank. It also has several safety features, such as a fire suppression system and a first-aid kit.
Canada
Canada currently has five Airbus A310s, designated CC-150 Polaris, with one primarily used to transport the prime minister and Governor General, and the others used for aerial refuelling or troop transportation. This aircraft has advanced security features such as missile defence, laser defence, and communication jamming systems. The Canadian Prime Minister also has access to several other aircraft, including a Boeing 757-200, a Challenger 600, and a Cessna Citation X+. However, these aircraft are not used for international travel.
Similarly, for ground transportation, the Prime Minister uses an armoured limousine called Cadillac One. This vehicle has been modified extensively to ensure the highest level of protection for the Prime Minister. It has bulletproof glass, armour plating, run-flat tires, and a self-sealing fuel tank. Additionally, it is equipped with tear gas dispensers, a fire suppression system, and a medical kit. Both of these vehicles are operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Russia
The vehicles used by the Russian President for ground transportation and air travel depend on the situation. The primary aircraft in the presidential fleet is the highly customized Ilyushin Il-96-300PU, a highly customized version of Il-96-300, which has advanced security features such as a nuclear attack survival system, missile defence system, laser defence system, and communications jamming system.
For ground transportation, the President uses an armoured limousine, a Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard Pullman. In addition, the Russian government is also using a new armoured limousine called the Aurus Senat, based on the Porsche Cayenne, that features bulletproof glass, armour plating, run-flat tires, a self-sealing fuel tank, tear gas dispensers, a fire suppression system, and a medical kit.
United Kingdom
The UK Prime Minister relies on the Boeing 777-300ER and the Royal Air Force Voyager for international air travel. Royal Air Force Voyager is a mid-range airliner that is used by the UK Prime Minister for shorter international trips and boasts several security features such as a missile defence system and a communications jammer.
On the ground, the Prime Minister typically travels in either a Bentley State Limousine or a Range Rover Sentinel. The Bentley State Limousine is designed with bulletproof glass, armour plating, run-flat tires, and a self-sealing fuel tank. Additionally, it is equipped with tear gas dispensers and a fire suppression system
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi royal family has access to several aircraft for international travel, including customised Boeing and Airbus planes. One such plane frequently used by the Saudi King is the luxurious Boeing 747-400.
In addition, the King relies on a fleet of armoured luxury cars such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended, Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard, and BMW 7 Series High Security for ground transportation during international visits. These vehicles have been specially customised to ensure the King’s safety and comfort while travelling
