President Donald Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard an older Air Force One jet instead of the newer plane donated by Qatar, U.S. officials told CBS News. This decision followed a credible threat from Iran and allied proxy groups to target the president's aircraft.

Officials revealed that U.S. intelligence detected a credible plot to fire a missile at the plane. The initial report of threats from Iranian proxies was first published by The New York Times.

Trump flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newly donated $400 million Boeing 747-8 Air Force One, gifted by the Qatari government and retrofitted for presidential use. However, he departed Ankara to the United Kingdom on the older Air Force One before switching back to the newer plane for his return to the United States.

This swap raised security concerns regarding the new aircraft. CBS News 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 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."

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

Sources