Trump ditches new Qatari Air Force One amid Iran tensions, flies back in older jet

Trump returned from the NATO summit in Turkey aboard the older Air Force One instead of the newly retrofitted Qatari-gifted jet, making a surprise aircraft switch as the US and Iran resumed exchanging strikes.

In Short

• Trump cited nostalgia, saying he chose the older jet for old time's sake
• New aircraft lacks some advanced defensive systems present in older jet
• The switch raises questions about security capabilities amid US-Iran tensions

President Donald Trump flew back from the NATO summit in Turkey aboard an older Air Force One aircraft instead of the newly retrofitted Boeing 747-800 gifted by Qatar, a last-minute switch that has reignited questions over the interim jet's security capabilities amid escalating tensions with Iran.

The decision came as the US and Iran exchanged fresh strikes, less than a day after the US military launched major attacks inside Iran in retaliation for Tehran's alleged attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump offered little explanation for the aircraft change, saying he chose to travel on the older Air Force One "for old time's sake". He added that both aircraft would make an unscheduled stop at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom.

In a post on social media, Trump said the newer aircraft would stop at the base so military personnel could "tour the aircraft", while he would return to Washington aboard the aircraft that has served as Air Force One for decades.

Asked during a press conference whether security concerns prompted the last-minute switch, Trump did not directly respond. Instead, referring to Iran, he said he was "No. 1 on the list for killing."

When pressed further, he reiterated that he would be "going home by normal methods" while the newer aircraft would be displayed to US troops.

The unexpected switch has renewed scrutiny of the Boeing 747-800, which underwent a USD 400 million retrofit before entering service as an interim presidential aircraft. Images released after its unveiling suggested the jet lacks some of the missile detection and defensive countermeasure systems installed on the ageing VC-25A aircraft currently used as Air Force One.

When asked whether those missing systems influenced the decision, the US Air Force referred questions to the White House.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the aircraft, saying, "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."

He added that, as Trump had repeatedly said, "there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him," and that the administration uses "every tool at our disposal, including distraction and misdirection, to address those threats."

Trump departed Turkey aboard one of the two Boeing VC-25A aircraft that have transported US presidents for more than three decades.

Flight-tracking websites were unable to monitor the aircraft shortly after take-off, suggesting its transponder may have been temporarily switched off, a security measure sometimes used during presidential travel to or from high-risk regions.

By contrast, flights carrying other leaders, including those of Germany and the United Kingdom, remained visible on public tracking services. Flight data showed the modified Qatari aircraft had departed Turkey earlier on Wednesday and landed at RAF Mildenhall.

Iran shares a border with Turkey and possesses missiles and drones capable of reaching Turkish territory, including Shahed drones and Shahab ballistic missiles. However, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Iran does not currently possess weapons capable of effectively striking the United Kingdom from its territory.

The US Air Force has previously said it prioritised only essential upgrades to bring the Qatari jet into service quickly as a temporary "bridge" aircraft. While insisting the rapid conversion did not compromise security, safety or secure communications, it acknowledged that several advanced engineering modifications planned for the permanent next-generation Air Force One fleet were deliberately deferred.

Earlier, aviation analyst Jeremiah Gertler of Teal Group told The Associated Press that the apparent absence of advanced defensive countermeasures and the aircraft's reduced communications suite suggested it was better suited for lower-risk or domestic missions. Trump first flew aboard the Qatari aircraft during a trip to North Dakota last week.

The current VC-25A Air Force One fleet, built during the final years of the Cold War, is equipped with anti-missile systems, protection against the effects of a nuclear blast, an onboard operating room and air-to-air refuelling capability. Boeing's long-delayed replacement aircraft are now expected to enter service in 2028.

- Ends