Military pilots displayed exceptional precision while escorting the plane carrying Russian President Vladimir Putin during his December visit to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The official footage, released by the Russian Ministry of Defense, shows Air Force One lifting off from Abu Dhabi Airport as part of a carefully choreographed departure sequence.
The clip begins with the Presidential Il-96 aircraft accompanied by Su-35S fighter jets preparing for takeoff. Moments later, the fighters launch from the runway, stepping into the air in a tightly coordinated formation that demonstrates the unit’s high level of training and discipline. The sequence captures the moment the aircraft rise in unison, conveying a sense of readiness and strategic movement between the lead aircraft and its escorting fighters.
In the footage, the distance between the planes during the acceleration phase and the takeoff appears to be minimal, with the fighters appearing to travel in very close proximity to the lead aircraft. This close-formation maneuver highlights the confidence and control of the aircrew, underscoring the meticulous planning behind presidential travel by air and the importance of security and escort procedures in such operations.
Observations from the video indicate that all Su-35S fighters are equipped with air-to-air missiles. Four short- to medium-range missiles are visible on the external stores of each aircraft, illustrating the standard defensive and deterrent considerations that accompany high-profile presidential movements. The arms configuration, paired with the precise handling by the pilots, reflects routine readiness practices for escort missions that prioritize both safe maneuvering and rapid response options if needed.
The Russian Ministry of Defense emphasized that the published images document the president’s departure from the United Arab Emirates as he prepared to proceed to Saudi Arabia. This context helps observers understand the broader itinerary and the logistical complexity involved in coordinating cross-border presidential travel, including airspace clearance, formation integrity, and synchronized lift-off procedures that minimize risk while ensuring timely arrival at subsequent engagements.
Earlier coverage noted Putin’s private reception in Saudi Arabia, which accompanied the broader diplomatic schedule surrounding the state visit. The emphasis on secure and ceremonially significant travel underscores how air power and escort operations remain an integral part of modern state diplomacy, projecting authority while ensuring the president’s safety across international air routes.