All Eyes on Putin's 'Aurus Senat' as He Arrives in India Today (Dec 4)

 Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives today (4) for an official visit to India after four years, and the special vehicle in his massive security motorcade, which has captured global attention, is the subject of much discussion.

The 'Aurus Senat' vehicle, specially designed for the travels of Putin, considered one of the world's most heavily guarded leaders, can be described as a 'walking fortress'. Putin is scheduled to participate in diplomatic engagements, including a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in this highly secure vehicle.

While previous Russian heads of state used foreign vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman for diplomatic affairs, the adoption of the domestically produced Aurus Senat led to its worldwide recognition as the "Russian Rolls-Royce". This limousine, entirely manufactured in Russia under the ‘Kortezh’ project, first appeared during Putin's inauguration in 2018. A recent notable event was the gifting of a similar vehicle to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The uniqueness of this vehicle lies in its design to withstand not only simple attacks but also serious wartime conditions, and its high-tech security systems are highly confidential.

It features robust armor capable of withstanding sniper bullets, heavy weaponry, and armor-piercing rounds, and can also endure drone attacks and bomb blasts. In an emergency, if it falls into water, it can float on the surface like a diving submarine. It also has an independent oxygen system that operates without drawing in outside air during a chemical gas attack, and technology that allows it to be driven at high speeds even if the tires are damaged.

Powered by a 4.4-liter Twin-turbo V8 hybrid engine, this vehicle can reach 100 kilometers per hour in 6 to 9 seconds, and its interior is luxuriously finished. While a standard Aurus Senat costs about 18 million rubles (approximately 2.5 crore Indian rupees), the presidential vehicle used by Putin is reportedly twice as expensive due to its confidential security features.

It is reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also traveled with Putin in this vehicle during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in China last September. Putin reportedly waited for Modi for about ten minutes, after which the two leaders engaged in bilateral discussions while traveling in the vehicle for approximately 60 minutes.