President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard the older Air Force One jet rather than the newer $400 million Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar, U.S. officials told CBS News. This decision came after U.S. intelligence detected a credible plot by Iran and allied proxy groups to fire a missile at the president's plane.

Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the new Air Force One, which the U.S. had spent months retrofitting to carry the president. However, he switched to the older plane for his flight from Turkey to the United Kingdom before returning to the newer plane for the final leg back to the United States. This swap raised questions about the security of the new aircraft.

CBS News reported that the Secret Service recommended using the older plane as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict. The older Air Force One jets are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion systems to misdirect attacks, according to sources familiar with the matter.

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. As tensions with Iran escalate, President Trump has acknowledged potential threats to his safety, including a recent post on Truth Social mentioning 1,000 missiles.

Sources