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, due to a credible threat from Iran and allied proxy groups, U.S. officials told CBS News.

Officials revealed that the U.S. detected a credible plot to fire a missile at the plane. The New York Times was the first to report on the threats from Iranian proxies.

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

This swap raised questions about the security of the new aircraft. Sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that the older planes are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and other diversion systems.

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 decision to use the older plane was made at the suggestion of the Secret Service as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict.

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