President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard an older Air Force One jet instead of the newer $400 million Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar, U.S. officials told CBS News. The decision followed detection of a credible missile plot against the president's plane by Iran and allied proxy groups.

Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newly donated Air Force One, which the U.S. had spent months retrofitting to carry the president. However, he departed Ankara for the United Kingdom on the older Air Force One before switching back to the newer plane for the final leg to the United States.

CBS News reported that the swap was made at the suggestion of the Secret Service as a precaution amid escalating tensions and conflict with Iran. Sources familiar with the matter said the older planes are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion systems that could misdirect attacks.

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. U.S. officials confirmed to CBS News that a credible plot to fire a missile at the plane was detected, prompting the security measures.

As tensions with Iran increase, President Trump has acknowledged possible threats to his safety, including a recent post on Truth Social referencing 1,000 missiles reportedly prepared for use if Iran attempts an assassination.

Sources