President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard an older Air Force One jet rather than the newer Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar, due to a credible threat from Iran and allied proxy groups, U.S. officials told CBS News.

Officials revealed that U.S. intelligence detected a credible plot to fire a missile at the presidential plane. The New York Times was the first to report on threats from Iranian proxies.

Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the new $400 million Air Force One, which the U.S. accepted from Qatar last year and retrofitted for presidential use. However, he switched to the older Air Force One for the flight from Ankara to the United Kingdom, before returning to the newer plane for the trip back to the United States.

This swap raised questions about the security of the new plane. Sources told CBS News that the older Air Force One jets are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion systems to misdirect threats.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "The new Air Force One is perfectly safe for the President's travels, but will receive additional upgrades and enhancements in the fall which will take approximately one month to complete. During that time, the President will fly on the old Air Force One."

CBS News also reported that the use of the older plane was recommended by the Secret Service as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict. President Trump has publicly acknowledged potential Iranian threats to his safety, including claims of missile stockpiles.

Sources