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, a $400 million plane donated 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 president's plane, prompting the Secret Service to suggest using the older plane as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Trump initially flew to Ankara on the newer plane but switched to the older Air Force One for his flight to the United Kingdom before returning to the United States on the newer aircraft.

The older Air Force One jets are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion systems, according to sources familiar with the matter. This capability contributed to the decision to use the older plane during the threat period.

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.

Sources