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Vladimir Putin’s moving fortress: A look at the Aurus Senate, the homely, heavily armored state car that serves as Russia’s official presidential limousine.
1 , 8As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India on a state visit and is welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, December 4, the spotlight is also on the official presidential limousine Aurus Senat, which travels with him on most foreign trips. Here are 7 key facts about Putin’s moving fortress. (Image: PTI)
2 , 81. Built under a national project. The limousine is made by Aurus and was developed by NAMI under the ‘Cortez’ project, which created a domestic presidential car for Russia. (Image: Reuters)
3 , 82. Official since 2018 The car was first shown publicly at Putin’s 2018 inauguration ceremony and has since been the official presidential vehicle. (Image: Reuters)
4 , 83. Small quantity production. Series production began in 2021 after years of prototype work. Production is limited and primarily for state use and a small number of civilian buyers. (Image: Reuters)
5 , 84. Price: Citizen vs President The civilian version is listed at around 18 million rubles. Armored Presidential models are custom-built, cost a lot and are not sold to the public. Media estimates range as high as 50 million rubles (about ₹5.5 crore), although there is no official confirmation. (Image: Reuters)
6 , 85. Luxury provides security. The Aurus Senate replaced the aging Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman. Built to Federal Protective Service standards, it blends heavy-duty protection with comfort: leather interiors, soft lighting and premium wood trim. (Image: Reuters)
7 , 86. A fort on wheels The car has a multi-layer armored body and ballistic glass to resist high-caliber firing and some blast impacts. It also has a protected underbody, reinforced frame, run-flat and self-sealing tires, a sealed cabin with air filtration and emergency oxygen, as well as secure communications that lets the President act as a mobile command center (details are classified). (Image: Reuters)
8 , 87. He travels abroad with Putin. The Kremlin usually sends one or more Senate limousines as part of a security convoy during foreign tours. In Russia, convoys may include escorts of Urals and BMWs supported by special purpose garage fleets. Support vehicles may include Mercedes-Benz G-Class and S-Class models, Volkswagen Caravelle-type vans and others. Vehicles are also involved in host country security on foreign trips. (Image: Reuters)