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 came after U.S. intelligence detected 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 Turkey to the United Kingdom, he switched to the older Air Force One jet. He later resumed travel on the newer plane for the remainder of his trip back to the United States.

The swap raised questions 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 use 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."

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 was the first to report on the threats from Iranian proxies.

As the conflict with Iran intensifies, President Trump has acknowledged possible threats to his safety, including a recent statement on Truth Social referencing 1,000 missiles potentially aimed at U.S. interests.

Sources