President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard an older Air Force One jet rather than the newer $400 million Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar. U.S. officials informed CBS News that this decision followed a credible threat from Iran and allied proxy groups to fire a missile at the plane.

Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newly donated Air Force One, which the U.S. had retrofitted for presidential use. However, he switched to the older Air Force One for his flight from Ankara to the United Kingdom, before returning to the newer plane for the final leg back to the United States. This swap raised questions about the security of the new aircraft.

CBS News reported that the Secret Service suggested using the older plane as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict. The older Air Force One jets are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion tactics 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."

The initial report of threats from Iranian proxies was first published by The New York Times. As tensions with Iran increase, President Trump has acknowledged potential threats to his safety, including a recent post on Truth Social referencing 1,000 missiles.

Sources