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

Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newly donated $400 million Boeing 747-8 Air Force One, gifted by Qatar 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 to complete 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 other diversion systems.

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.

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 New York Times was the first to report on the threats from Iranian proxies. 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.

Sources