President Trump departed Turkey on the older Air Force One jet Wednesday night as a security precaution, according to a report. The decision stemmed from concerns that the new, Qatari-gifted aircraft might not possess the full security capabilities of its predecessor, especially given the escalating tensions with Iran.
The Secret Service reportedly advised Trump to use the established jet due to security risks associated with the restarting of conflict in Iran. The new Air Force One, a Boeing 747-8, was retrofitted over the past year and is believed to still lack some of the defensive systems present on the previous model. "In that time they had, they would be able to accommodate communications upgrades, but not anything that would require significant structural work," Andrew Hunter, a Biden administration Air Force official, told The New York Times.
Air Force One, a modified Boeing 747, is equipped with advanced defensive systems designed to protect against threats like anti-aircraft missiles. These systems are crucial for ensuring the president's safety, particularly when traveling to regions with potential adversaries. Iran possesses long-range missiles and drones that could pose a threat, with its ballistic missiles having previously reached military bases thousands of miles away.
While the full defensive specifications of the aircraft are classified, known features include radar jamming, infrared countermeasures, and sophisticated communication systems. The aircraft is also structurally reinforced to withstand extreme conditions, including nuclear blasts, a feature that may not yet be fully implemented in the new jet.
Trump has previously expressed admiration for the new $400 million aircraft, gifted by Qatar, calling it the "greatest commercial plane ever built." The U.S. Air Force had previously stated that the aircraft is "safe, secure and equipped with the most advanced technologies necessary to meet the requirements of the presidential mission," adding that no risks were taken regarding safety or communications. The White House echoed these sentiments, denying claims of insecurity and describing the switch as a precaution. "The new Air Force One is a state-of-the-art aircraft that has been fitted with high-level security protocols that ensure the safety of the President and his staff," Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, said in a statement.
Trump himself commented on the situation, suggesting he chose the older plane for "old times' sake." However, he also acknowledged the potential threat, noting that he is "number one on the kill list for Iran."
Following his departure from Turkey, Trump switched to the new aircraft when landing in England for his return to the United States.