President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard an older Air Force One jet instead of the newer Boeing 747-8 plane donated by Qatar, U.S. officials told CBS News. The decision came after U.S. intelligence detected a credible plot by Iran and allied proxy groups to fire a missile at the president's aircraft.

Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newly donated $400 million Air Force One, which the U.S. had retrofitted for presidential use. However, he switched to the older plane for his flight from Ankara to the United Kingdom before returning to the United States on the newer jet.

The older Air Force One planes are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and use diversion systems to misdirect threats, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News. This precaution was reportedly advised by the Secret Service amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict.

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. The swap between planes has raised questions about the security features of the new Air Force One amid ongoing concerns about the president's safety.

Sources