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

Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newer $400 million Air Force One, which the U.S. received as a gift from Qatar last year and retrofitted for presidential use. However, he departed Ankara for the United Kingdom on the older plane before switching back to the newer aircraft for his return to the United States.

The swap raised concerns about the security of the new plane. Sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that the older Air Force One jets are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion tactics.

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 reported that the use of the older plane was at the suggestion of the Secret Service as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict. The New York Times first reported the threats from Iranian proxies.

As the conflict with Iran intensifies, President Trump has acknowledged potential threats to his safety, including a recent post on Truth Social referencing 1,000 missiles.

Sources