President Trump’s Aircraft Swap During NATO Summit

President Donald Trump flew partway home from a NATO summit in Turkey on a traditional Air Force One jet instead of the newer Qatari-modified aircraft initially used for his trip. This unexpected change occurred amidst renewed hostilities between the U.S. and Iran.

Trump indicated the switch was a nostalgic choice, saying he would use the legacy plane ‘for old time’s sake.’ Both aircraft made an unexpected stop at Royal Air Force Mildenhall in the U.K., a base used by U.S. service members. While there, Trump boarded the newer jet to continue onward to Joint Base Andrews near Washington, after greeting military personnel.

‘We just landed and met up with our new Air Force One, which was sent earlier to RAF Mildenhall, so we could show the wonderful Servicemembers, as per the entire Base’s request,’ Trump shared on social media, adding that the stop at Mildenhall required ‘virtually no deviation of flightpath.’

During the flight, Trump denied that security concerns involving Iran impacted the decision to use two planes. He dismissed questions about any credible threats from Iran with comments about always being a target.

Reporters questioned Trump regarding the need to keep window blinds closed during the flight from Turkey to the U.K. on the older plane, hinting at potential security risks connected to Iran. Trump speculated that this was due to what he referred to as ‘sleazebags’ nearby.

Security Questions Around New Air Force One

The flight switch raised security concerns about the new jet, which did not possess some of the older jet’s security features despite a $400 million retrofit. The Qatari-gifted aircraft underwent modification but lacked certain countermeasure systems found on older models.

The decision to swap planes coincided with U.S. military action in Iran and subsequent threats. Images of the new jet showed it might be less equipped for certain missile countermeasures.

Trump stated publicly that the newer plane would visit the U.K. base for military personnel to view, while he would return home ‘by normal methods.’ He sidestepped questions about the switch being security-related, focusing on his status as a target for Iran.

U.S. Air Force spokesman Steven Cheung commented on the jet’s high-level security protocols, emphasizing the importance of distraction and misdirection for safety.

Aircraft Transponder Issues

Trump flew aboard an older Boeing VC-25A from Turkey, known for transporting presidents for decades. Flight trackers were unable to monitor the plane’s transponder early in the flight, likely due to it being temporarily disabled—a measure often used in high-risk regions.

However, flights for other world leaders, including from Germany and the U.K., were trackable.

The newly adapted Boeing 747-800 from Qatar flew separately from Turkey to RAF Mildenhall, as shown by flight tracking data.

Although Iran holds missiles and drones capable of reaching Turkey, the country reportedly lacks weaponry to effectively strike the U.K., a concern mitigated by distance.

Regarding the fleet’s management, the U.S. Air Force noted they prioritized certain modifications for the Qatari ‘bridge’ aircraft, excluding highly complex engineering changes needed for permanent Air Force One upgrades. Analyst Jeremiah Gertler mentioned the absence of countermeasures and fewer communications antennas indicated the new jet’s use for domestic operations.

Trump’s initial flight with the Qatari jet was to North Dakota recently.

Original Air Force One models from the Cold War era were designed with robust defense capabilities, including countermeasures and an onboard operating room. These jets can also refuel mid-air, although never with a president aboard.

The current modification of the Boeing jets is delayed, with expectations set for delivery by 2028.

Contributors to this report include Zeke Miller and Darlene Superville from the Associated Press.