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, U.S. officials told CBS News. The decision followed detection of a credible plot by Iran and allied proxy groups to fire a missile at the president's plane.

Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newly donated $400 million Air Force One, which the U.S. had spent months retrofitting. However, for his departure from Ankara to the United Kingdom, he switched to the older Air Force One jet before returning to the U.S. on the newer plane. This swap raised questions about the security of the new aircraft.

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. Sources familiar with the matter said 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."

The initial news of threats from Iranian proxies was first reported by The New York Times. As tensions with Iran escalate, President Trump has acknowledged possible threats to his safety, including mentioning on Truth Social earlier this month that 1,000 missiles were prepared for immediate use if Iran attempts to assassinate him.

Sources