President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard an older Air Force One aircraft instead of the newer $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet donated by Qatar, U.S. officials told CBS News. The 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 accepted from Qatar last year and retrofitted for presidential use. However, for his departure from Turkey to the United Kingdom, he switched to the older Air Force One jet before returning to the newer plane for the final leg back to the United States.

The swap prompted questions about the security of the newer aircraft. Sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that the older Air Force One planes are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion systems to misdirect threats.

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. 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. U.S. officials confirmed to CBS News that a credible plot to target the plane was detected. 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