President Trump switched to the older Air Force One jet during his return from the NATO summit due to a credible Iranian missile threat.
President Trump departed the Turkish capital of Ankara on the legacy Air Force One jet after U.S. officials detected a credible plot by Iranian proxy forces to fire a missile at the aircraft. The administration announced the switch was a precautionary measure recommended by the Secret Service to ensure safety during the NATO summit. While President Trump arrived in Turkey on the new $400 million Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar, the newer plane lacks the advanced laser technology found on the older jet, which can blind incoming munitions. The administration announced that the new aircraft will undergo upgrades over the next month to enhance its defensive capabilities. The threat comes as tensions with Tehran rise. President Trump stated that the U.S. military is "locked and loaded" to provide major military punishment to Iran if the country attempts to assassinate him. For the time being, the administration announced that the president will continue to use the older plane until the new jet is fully upgraded.