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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PAF confirms US 'Doomsday Plane' landed in Manila: Here's why

PAF confirms US 'Doomsday Plane' landed in Manila: Here's why

Published Oct 27, 2025 12:36 pm
United States Air Force (USAF) Doomsday Plane E4B Nightwatch (File photo: USAF)
United States Air Force (USAF) Doomsday Plane E4B Nightwatch (File photo: USAF)
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed on Monday, Oct. 27, that the E4B NightWatch, also known as the United States Air Force (USAF) Doomsday Plane, landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila for a brief technical stop.
The E4B arrived on Sunday noontime, Oct. 26, and “remained overnight for refueling and crew rest,” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said.
Basco said the aircraft’s arrival had a diplomatic clearance but it was not related to any official visit by a high-ranking US official.
“The PAF will monitor and assist this diplomatic layover as needed until its departure,” she noted.
Plane spotters monitored the Doomsday plane as it departed NAIA before noontime on Monday.
The E-4B Nightwatch serves as the National Airborne Operations Center, providing a secure command, control, and communications hub for the US President, Secretary of Defense, and Joint Chiefs of Staff during national emergencies or if ground command centers are destroyed.
It ensures continuity of operations across all threat levels and also supports overseas travel for the Secretary of Defense, maintaining global command and control connectivity.
It is a militarized Boeing 747-200 designed as a high-altitude, long-range airborne command center capable of midair refueling. Shielded against nuclear and electromagnetic effects, it carries advanced satellite and communications systems that allow global command and control for US leaders.
While its presence was not connected to a visit of a US official, it can be noted that US President Donald Trump was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, which was also attended by President Marcos Jr.

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PAF Air Force Doomsday Plane E4B NAIA
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