President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard an older Air Force One jet instead of the newer plane recently donated by Qatar, U.S. officials told CBS News. The decision followed the detection of a credible plot by Iran and allied proxy groups to fire a missile at the president's aircraft.

Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newly donated $400 million Boeing 747-8 Air Force One, gifted by the Qatari government and retrofitted for presidential use. However, he departed Ankara for the United Kingdom on the older Air Force One before switching back to the newer plane for his return 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 employ diversion tactics, which contributed to the precautionary use of the older aircraft amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict.

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 report of threats from Iranian proxies was first published by The New York Times. U.S. officials confirmed to CBS News the credible nature of the threat, underscoring ongoing security concerns as the conflict with Iran intensifies. President Trump has acknowledged potential threats to his safety, noting on Truth Social earlier this month the presence of 1,000 missiles potentially aimed at U.S. interests.

Sources