Aurus Senat: Bulletproof Limousine Putin brought to India | Inside Russian President’s armoured vehicle
PTC Web Desk: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India today, accompanied by an extensive security contingent that includes one of the world's most guarded state vehicles — the Aurus Senat limousine.
This marks Putin’s first visit to India in four years. During the trip, he is expected to hold comprehensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attend an official banquet and review the full range of cooperation under the India–Russia “special and privileged strategic partnership.”
Given Putin’s status as one of the most heavily protected leaders globally, his custom-built armoured limousine forms an essential part of his security arrangements and travels with him wherever he goes.
Inside Vladimir Putin’s Aurus Senat
The Aurus Senat is Russia’s flagship luxury limousine designed specifically for state and presidential use. Often compared to high-end luxury cars for its imposing design and comfort, the vehicle features an armoured exterior, darkened windows and a sophisticated interior equipped with cutting-edge technology.
Before switching to this homegrown model, Putin used the Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman. Russia later replaced foreign-made official cars with vehicles developed under the Kortezh project, a national programme aimed at producing ultra-secure, premium state automobiles.
Unveiled during Putin’s 2018 swearing-in ceremony, the Senat is produced by Aurus Motors in partnership with the NAMI research institute, Sollers JSC and the UAE’s Tawazun Holding. While production for the public is extremely limited, capped at roughly 120 units a year, the car has been featured in several diplomatic events, including being presented to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2024.
What makes Aurus Senat ‘impregnable’
The Aurus Senat is engineered to withstand extreme threats, making it one of the most secure vehicles in the world. Its key security features include:
Armour-resistant body: Built to resist high-calibre and armour-piercing bullets
Protection from blasts and aerial attacks: Designed to survive missile strikes, drone attacks and powerful explosions
Buoyancy capability: The vehicle can stay afloat and remain operational even if it lands in water
Run-flat technology: Allows the car to maintain speed even when all tyres are damaged
Chemical threat defence: An independent air-filtration system protects occupants from toxic gases
High-performance engine: A 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid engine enables the car to reach 0–100 kmph in roughly 6–9 seconds, with a top speed of about 160 kmph
Luxury interiors: Premium leather seats, handcrafted wood trims, climate control and secure communication systems
How much does it cost?
The standard Aurus Senat is priced at around 18 million rubles (approximately Rs 2.5 crore). However, the highly customised, fully armoured presidential version used by Putin includes classified security enhancements and costs nearly double. These specialised models are not available for public purchase.
When PM Modi took a ride in Putin’s Limousine
In a notable moment last September, after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined President Putin for a ride in the Aurus Senat. Putin reportedly waited nearly 10 minutes for PM Modi before the two leaders travelled together, engaging in an extended conversation during the drive to their bilateral meeting.
- With inputs from agencies
