Thieves steal electronic manuals from Russia's 'doomsday plane'

Electronic manuals from Russia's "doomsday plane" – the aircraft used to control the country's nuclear arsenal during a conflict – have been stolen.

Unknown thieves broke into the Ilyushin Il-80 plane at an airfield in the southern region of Rostov, the BBC reports.

Five radios and 39 pieces of electronic equipment were taken.

Officials reported the theft last Friday but it is unclear when the incident took place.

The plane is one of four Il-80s designed as an airborne command centre for Russian commanders, including the president, during a nuclear conflict.

Key strategic decisions, such as the launch of intercontinental nuclear missiles, could be made aboard the plane.

With no external windows except in the cockpit, it is designed to offer some protection from the effects of a nuclear blast.

The aircraft targeted by thieves had been undergoing scheduled repairs, Interfax news agency reported.

An unnamed police official told Interfax a cargo hatch breach had been found during an inspection of the plane.

Authorities said an investigation had started.