US President Donald Trump returned from a NATO summit in Türkiye earlier this month aboard the older Air Force One aircraft after US intelligence identified what officials described as a credible Iranian-linked threat against the presidential plane, according to CBS News.
US officials told the broadcaster that intelligence agencies detected a credible plot to fire a missile at the aircraft, prompting the Secret Service to implement contingency plans and change the president’s travel arrangements.
According to a New York Times report, the alleged threat originated from Iran and allied proxy groups.
Trump had flown to Ankara aboard the newer Air Force One, a Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar and accepted by the US last year. The aircraft, reportedly valued at $400 million, underwent months of modifications before entering presidential service.
However, after the NATO summit concluded, Trump travelled from Ankara to the UK aboard the older Air Force One before switching back to the newer aircraft for the final leg of his journey to the US.
The change prompted questions about the security capabilities of the newer aircraft even though CBS News had previously reported that the Secret Service recommended the switch as a precaution amid the ongoing war with Iran.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the existing Air Force One fleet is equipped with advanced defensive systems, including laser technology designed to disrupt incoming missiles and other countermeasures intended to divert guided weapons. It remains unclear whether the newer Qatari aircraft carries the same defensive capabilities.
Earlier this week, the White House said Trump would continue using the older aircraft while additional upgrades are carried out on the newer jet.
“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,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to CBS News. “During that time, the President will fly on the old Air Force One.”
Trump also told reporters that the aircraft already had “a lot of capability” but said it would be “maxed out” after the planned upgrades.
Amid the conflict’s escalation, Trump has publicly acknowledged potential threats to his personal safety.
Earlier this month, he wrote on Truth Social that 1,000 missiles were “locked and loaded” in response to any Iranian assassination attempt.
“Orders have already been given, and the US Military is ready, willing, and able, for a one-year period of time, subject to extension, to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran,” Trump wrote.
