India plans airborne command post for nuclear deterrence

India is considering building a survivable airborne command post, known as a Doomsday Plane, to plug a nuclear blind spot.

India's nuclear triad includes submarines, Agni missiles, and fighter jets, but lacks a command post capable of surviving a nuclear strike.

The US operates the E-4B Nightwatch, Russia uses the Il-80, and China is developing a similar capability.

A Doomsday Plane differs from Air India One and would involve DRDO and significant costs.

Survivable command is considered essential for credible nuclear deterrence beyond just missiles.