Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his rare visit to the United States with a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska. This was Putin’s first visit to the US in a decade, making it a high-profile and closely watched event.
High-profile Alaska summit between Trump and Putin
The summit took place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on August 15, 2025. Trump welcomed Putin with full protocol and military honors. The two leaders walked along a red carpet past a guard of honor before stopping for an official photograph.
During the photo session, the skies above Anchorage offered a show of military power. A US B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, escorted by four F-22 fighter jets, performed a flyover, symbolizing America’s advanced air capabilities.
Putin arrived in Alaska in his official presidential aircraft, the Ilyushin Il-96-300PU, often referred to as the “Flying Kremlin.” The Soviet-designed Il-96 passenger aircraft served as the base for this specially modified jet. In Russian, the term “PU” means “Command Point,” which reflects its role as a flying command center.
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The Il-96-300PU uses four engines and operates as a long-range, wide-body aircraft. The Ilyushin Design Bureau developed it in the 1980s as a successor to the Il-86 airliner, and it entered service in 1993. Today, the presidential version includes advanced communications, defensive systems, and special modifications that ensure safety and control in all circumstances.
Putin escorted out of Alaska by America’s best jets
After the conclusion of the meeting, Putin departed Alaska for Moscow. As his aircraft left American airspace, it was escorted by two of the United States’ most advanced fighter jets—the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II.
A video released on the Kremlin’s official website showed Putin’s plane flying alongside the two US fighters. The sight of the Russian leader’s “Flying Kremlin” leaving America, flanked by two of the most powerful jets in the world, drew attention globally.
The F-22 and F-35 are both fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, representing the cutting edge of US air power. Their presence underscored the importance of the visit and highlighted the careful security measures in place for the Russian president’s departure.
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The F-22 Raptor combines stealth, high speed, and maneuverability. Designers built it to dominate the skies and to carry out both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The aircraft carries advanced sensors and avionics that allow pilots to detect and engage threats before anyone spots them.
The F-35, meanwhile, represents the newest generation of American fighter aircraft. Built for versatility, it can conduct missions ranging from air defense to precision strikes. The F-35 has advanced sensor fusion, meaning it collects and combines data from multiple systems to give pilots a complete and detailed picture of the battlefield. This aircraft also brings stealth features, agility, and strong electronic warfare capabilities.
Both aircraft are considered essential to maintaining American and allied security in the modern era. Their escort role during Putin’s departure highlighted the cooperation between military protocol and high-level diplomacy.
Features of the F-22 and F-35 that stood out
The US Air Force describes the F-22 Raptor as an exponential leap in warfighting technology. It secures air dominance quickly and at long distances. Its cockpit design and sensor systems give pilots unmatched situational awareness, which makes it one of the most capable combat jets in the world. The Raptor detects, tracks, and neutralizes threats before anyone can detect it, giving pilots a crucial edge in modern air combat.
In contrast, the F-35 Lightning II offers capabilities that make it indispensable for both the US and its allies. The F-35A variant, which escorted Putin’s plane, serves as a multi-role jet designed for agility and precision. It can withstand up to 9 g-forces, making it one of the most maneuverable fighters of its kind.
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Its advanced sensor package allows it to gather and share real-time information with other systems, creating a powerful network of defense and attack options. This combination of stealth, technology, and pilot-focused design makes the F-35 a unique platform in global air defense.
For the Russian leader’s departure, the presence of both the F-22 and the F-35 symbolized not only America’s advanced military capability but also the careful arrangements that framed this rare diplomatic encounter. The escort of Putin’s “Flying Kremlin” by two of the most powerful jets in the world served as a powerful visual conclusion to his visit to Alaska and the meeting with President Trump.