Top News

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit with his customised Aurus Senat limousine, known for its advanced security features. The armoured vehicle, developed under Russia’s Kortezh programme, includes powerful performance capabilities and protective systems. Putin reportedly carries his own car during foreign visits instead of using local transport.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has landed in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS summit, arriving with his trademark security entourage i.e. his customised presidential jet, nicknamed the 'Flying Kremlin', and his armoured Aurus Senat limousine. Unlike most world leaders who rely on local transport once they land, Putin insists on flying in his own car wherever he goes. The same vehicle drew attention last year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi rode alongside him in it during the SCO Summit in China.

Aurus Senat: Built for guarden men

The Aurus Senat is widely regarded as one of the most secretive and heavily fortified vehicles in the world, fitting for a leader who has spent 25 years at Russia's helm and accumulated no shortage of adversaries. Built by Aurus Motors, a joint venture between Russian state research body NAMI, Sollers JSC and the UAE's Tawazun Holding, the limousine was launched in 2018 under the 'Kortezh' programme, Russia's initiative to develop homegrown luxury and armoured vehicles for government use. Its styling draws inspiration from the Soviet-era ZIS-110 limousine. While Putin's version is built for protection, Aurus also sells a civilian edition, capped at 120 units a year and priced at roughly 18 million rubles (around Rs 2.5 crore).

Aurus Senat: What is under the hood?