Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India last night, and while he travelled with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a Toyota Fortuner, it’s his own state car that has grabbed attention recently. The Aurus Senat, Putin’s official presidential limousine, is known as one of the safest vehicles in the world thanks to its heavy armour, blast protection and bullet-resistant construction. As the two leaders prepare for their summit talks in New Delhi on Friday, here’s a quick look at what makes this Russian-built limousine such a formidable security machine.
The Senat is Russia’s official presidential car and one of the most heavily fortified luxury vehicles on the planet. Developed in Moscow by Aurus Motors, the Senat is a stretched, armour-laden limousine styled with cues from the Soviet-era ZIS-110.
The car is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 engine producing 598 bhp and 880 Nm of torque, ensuring that all its weighty armour does not slow it down during high-security movement.
Much of the Senat’s protection is built around its armoured body shell and multi-layer bulletproof glass. It features steel plating that can withstand high-calibre ammunition and explosive fragments, while the thick laminated windows resist rounds and prevent shattering. Reinforced doors further reduce the chances of forced entry, creating a sealed survival cell.
Since many attacks target the underside of a VIP vehicle, the Senat carries additional layers of defence. It features a blast-protected underbody, armoured floor plating and a specially shielded fuel tank to reduce the impact of car bombs or improvised explosive devices.
Even if the tyres are compromised, the Senat is engineered to keep moving. Its run-flat tyres, reinforced chassis and robust suspension allow it to travel for considerable distances despite punctures or damage. Inside, the limousine merges state-level protection with the comfort expected of a head-of-state vehicle. Bullet-resistant windows, a secure cabin, climate-controlled leather seating, a private partition and encrypted communication systems.
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