President Trump left the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, earlier this month aboard the older Air Force One jet instead of the newer Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar. U.S. officials informed CBS News that this decision followed detection of a credible plot by Iran and allied proxy groups to fire a missile at the president's plane.

Trump initially flew to Ankara on the newly donated $400 million Air Force One, which the U.S. has been retrofitting since receiving it last year. However, for his departure from Turkey to the United Kingdom, he switched to the older Air Force One jet. He then resumed travel on the newer plane for the remainder of his trip back to the United States.

The swap raised questions about the security of the new aircraft. Sources told CBS News that the older Air Force One planes 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."

CBS News also reported that the use of the older plane was recommended by the Secret Service as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict. The initial news of threats from Iranian proxies was first reported by The New York Times.

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