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 told CBS News. The decision followed a credible threat from Iran and allied proxy groups to target the president's plane.

Officials revealed that U.S. intelligence detected a credible plot to fire a missile at the aircraft. Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the new Air Force One, which had been retrofitted for presidential use after being accepted as a gift from Qatar last year. However, he flew from Ankara to the United Kingdom on the older plane before switching back to the newer jet for his return to the United States.

The swap raised questions about the security of the new Air Force One. Sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that the older planes 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 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. The New York Times was the first to report on 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