Ever wondered how much effort goes into keeping some of the world’s most powerful leaders safe? From bulletproof cars to elite bodyguards, their security is like something out of a Hollywood action movie. Let’s dive into the 7 most heavily protected presidents in the world and explore the jaw-dropping measures taken to ensure their safety.
Top 7 Most Protected Presidents in the World
7. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (President of Turkey)
When it comes to President Erdoğan, security is no joke. This man is surrounded by a 60-person elite bodyguard team that’s always on high alert. These guards are not your average security personnel—they are highly trained operatives ready to act at the slightest hint of danger.
Erdoğan’s Security Setup
- Snipers on Call: Up to 100 snipers are strategically placed during routine visits, but when the threat level spikes, that number can skyrocket to 3,000 snipers. Imagine being under that many watchful eyes!
- Armored Convoy: Erdoğan travels in style and safety with a convoy of 12 luxury armored vehicles that can withstand both bullets and explosions.
- Turkish-Made Arsenal: His bodyguards are armed to the teeth with Yavuz 16 pistols and MPT-76 rifles, showcasing the best of Turkey’s weaponry.
Even when abroad, Erdoğan’s security team is known to clash with local authorities to maintain control—such was the case when they refused to surrender their weapons to Bosnia’s border police.
6. Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi doesn’t just have a security team—he has an army. His protection is handled by the Special Protection Group (SPG), a force so elite that their sole job is to protect the PM and his family.
What Makes Modi’s Security Unique?
- 3,000+ Bodyguards: These highly trained professionals carry concealed handguns, assault rifles, and wear bulletproof gear from head to toe.
- Futuristic Convoy: Modi’s motorcade is a sci-fi enthusiast’s dream. From customized armored BMWs and Mercedes-Maybachs to vehicles equipped with electronic countermeasures against guided missiles, his convoy has it all.
- Airborne Protection: Modi travels in Air India One, a customized Boeing 777-300ER, similar to the U.S. President’s Air Force One.
With every threat neutralized before it even surfaces, it’s no surprise that Modi’s security detail is considered one of the best.
Also Read: Inside ‘The Beast’: A Deep Dive into the $1.5 Million U.S Presidential Limousine
5. Mohammed bin Salman (Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia)
As the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) spares no expense on security. His protection is nothing short of a fortress.
Security Overhaul
- Unified Forces: MBS restructured Saudi Arabia’s security agencies, forming the Presidency of State Security, which reports directly to him.
- Private Army: He controls a personal army of highly trained soldiers, cybersecurity experts, and secret agents who monitor every potential threat.
- Massive Investment: In 2019, MBS spent over $20 billion to modernize Saudi military equipment, ensuring his safety at all times.
With so many layers of security, even a James Bond-level villain would have trouble getting close to him.
4. Xi Jinping (President of China)
President Xi Jinping’s security is a mix of military precision and technological superiority. The Central Security Bureau is the force behind his safety, and they don’t cut corners.
The Numbers Speak
- 8,000-Man Strong Force: Xi is protected by a brigade that includes three regiments and 36 squadrons.
- High-Tech Equipment: During visits, his team uses ballistic briefcases, machine guns disguised as bags, and even helicopters for aerial surveillance.
- Zero Room for Error: Before any event, advanced teams scout locations months in advance, ensuring every detail is accounted for.
If perfection had a face, it would look a lot like Xi Jinping’s security detail.
3. Kim Jong-un (Supreme Leader of North Korea)
Kim Jong-un’s security is as mysterious as the country he leads. His life is surrounded by layers of secrecy and protection that make it almost impenetrable.
Layers of Protection
- Runner Bodyguards: Wherever Kim’s car goes, his bodyguards jog alongside it, ready to react instantly.
- Supreme Guard Command: This dedicated unit boasts over 100,000 soldiers, with another 100,000 on standby in case of emergencies.
- Hidden Bunkers: Classified bunkers across North Korea are always ready to shelter Kim in case of an attack.
With this much preparation, it’s clear that Kim’s security doesn’t leave anything to chance.
2. Donald Trump (President of the U.S.)
Donald Trump security is over the top—because when you’re one of the most controversial leaders in history, you don’t take chances.
Key Features of Trump’s Security
- The Beast: Trump’s limousine, nicknamed The Beast, is a fortress on wheels with bulletproof glass, oxygen tanks, and even reserves of his blood type.
- 30-Vehicle Motorcade: From snipers to anti-terror units, Trump’s convoy had it all.
- Air Force One: His travels included two F-35 fighter jets as escorts and the world-famous Air Force One.
Trump’s security was so robust that even the Secret Service had to level up their game.
1. Vladimir Putin (President of Russia)
Putin’s security is legendary. The Federal Protective Service (FSO) doesn’t just protect him—they control everything around him.
Unmatched Security Protocols
- Musketeers: Putin’s bodyguards carry special briefcases that double as bulletproof shields.
- Armored Convoy: His vehicles come equipped with anti-tank grenade launchers and portable anti-aircraft missiles.
- Body Doubles: Yes, Putin has body doubles to divert threats.
Every move Putin makes is calculated to ensure his safety, making him one of the hardest targets in the world.
Final Thoughts
From Erdoğan’s sniper-filled entourage to Putin’s missile-proof convoy, the security measures taken to protect these leaders are nothing short of extraordinary. Their safety comes at a staggering cost, but for these powerful figures, it’s a small price to pay.