Russia has started building a new 'doomsday' plane – an aircraft capable directing the nation's nuclear arsenal during a major conflict – local media reports.

The new plane would be a military version of the Ilyushin-96-400M passenger jet, and will be built in western Russia, state media outlet Ria Novosti (RIA) reports.

A source in the Russian military source hinted that two new aircraft would enter service "shortly."

READ MORE: Russia tests giant nuclear submarine equipped with secret weapons

Russia and the US each have four specially designed planes that would become airborne command centres during a major conflict.

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

Russia's planned new 'doomsday' plane, known as 'Zveno 3S', will have a reinforced fuselage, special communication systems and no cabin windows to guard against radiation fallout.

But the new aircraft will also offer a much greater range than the aircraft it is replacing – the Ilyushin-80 – which started service in the 1980s.

READ MORE: Thieves steal electronic manuals from Russia's 'doomsday plane'

One of those planes made world headlines late last year when thieves stole supposedly secret electronic equipment from an Ilyushin-80 parked at an airfield in Russia.

Five radios and 39 pieces of electronic equipment were taken.

News of a new Russian 'doomsday' aircraft is one part of the Kremlin's modernisation drive in the military aviation sector.