President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard the 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 detected a credible plot to fire a missile at the plane, prompting the precautionary measure.

Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newer $400 million Air Force One, which the U.S. accepted as a gift from Qatar last year and retrofitted for presidential use. However, he switched to the older plane for his flight from Ankara to the United Kingdom before returning to the U.S. on the newer aircraft.

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 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."

This development comes amid escalating tensions and renewed conflict with Iran. President Trump has acknowledged possible Iranian threats to his safety, noting on Truth Social earlier this month that 1,000 missiles were "for immediate use if Iran attempts to assassinate him."

The initial report of threats from Iranian proxies was first published by The New York Times.

Sources