Putin’s Armoured Aurus Senat: Bullet-Resistant, Amphibious, and Built for Extreme Security
Russian President Vladimir Putin is arriving in India today after four years, and accompanying him is one of the most closely guarded symbols of his security — the Aurus Senat limousine. The vehicle travels with Putin on nearly all international visits and forms a key part of his presidential convoy.
During his visit, President Putin will hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attend a state banquet, and review the status of the countries’ “special and privileged strategic partnership.”
Why Is Putin’s Car So Special?
The Aurus Senat is Russia’s state-built luxury limousine designed specifically for the president and senior officials. Often referred to as the “Russian Rolls-Royce”, the car features heavy armour plating, darkened bullet-proof glass and a high-tech, luxurious interior.
Prior to the Aurus Senat, Putin used the Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard Pullman. However, Russia later moved away from foreign vehicles and launched the Kortezh state project to create home-grown ultra-secure cars.
The Aurus Senat made its first public appearance during Putin’s 2018 inauguration. It has been developed jointly by the Russian state institute NAMI, Sollers JSC, and the UAE-based Tawazun Holding. Production began on a larger scale in 2021, and in 2024 the same model was gifted to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
A Car Designed to Be “Indestructible”
The vehicle incorporates advanced defence systems and is built to withstand extreme attacks. Its key features reportedly include:
- Fully armoured bodywork capable of stopping high-calibre and armour-piercing rounds
- Protection against missile and drone strikes
- Amphibious capability — the car can stay afloat and operate temporarily if submerged in water
- Run-flat tyres allowing high-speed travel even if punctured
- A sealed cabin with an independent air-filtration system to protect against chemical attacks
- A 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid engine capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h in approximately 6–9 seconds, with a top speed close to 160 km/h
- Premium leather upholstery, wooden interior finish, climate control and secure government-grade communication systems
How Much Does It Cost?
The standard civilian version of the Aurus Senat starts at around 18 million roubles — roughly €245,000.
However, the presidential edition is significantly more expensive — reportedly nearly double — due to classified custom security upgrades. The civilian version remains limited, with production capped at around 120 cars annually.