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 informed CBS News that this decision followed a credible threat from Iran and allied proxy groups to fire a missile at the president's plane.

Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newly donated 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 Ankara to the United Kingdom before returning to the U.S. on the newer aircraft. This swap raised questions about the security of the new plane.

CBS News reported that the use of the older plane was at the suggestion of the Secret Service as a precautionary measure amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict. 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.

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 increase, President Trump has acknowledged possible threats to his safety, including a recent post on Truth Social referencing 1,000 missiles.

Sources