US President Donald Trump returned from the NATO summit in Ankara aboard the older Air Force One after a brief stop at RAF Mildenhall in the UK, amid heightened tensions with Iran and growing security concerns surrounding his newly acquired aircraft.
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According to The New York Times, Trump switched from the new Boeing 747-8, gifted by Qatar, to the older presidential aircraft on the advice of the US Secret Service after fighting between the US and Iran resumed. The report said the move was a precautionary measure rather than a response to a specific threat, although officials acknowledged that the new aircraft does not yet have all the security features fitted to the existing Air Force One fleet.
The White House rejected suggestions that the new aircraft was unsafe. Communications Director Steven Cheung said it was equipped with "high-level security protocols" and added that the administration uses "every tool at our disposal — including distraction and misdirection" to protect the president.
Trump, however, dismissed suggestions that security fears prompted the switch. Speaking to reporters after departing the UK, he said: "I have a threat all the time. I'm number one of their list."
As reported by The Independent, Trump said the stop at RAF Mildenhall was intended to allow US service personnel stationed there to tour the new aircraft. He later shared photographs of service members gathered around the jet, calling it "brand new, and truly spectacular" and saying they were "very excited" to see it.
The president also revealed he travelled on the older Air Force One "for old time's sake", with reporters instructed to keep window blinds closed during the flight. Trump said the restriction did not apply to his compartment and suggested it was likely because of "sleazebags over here", an apparent reference to Iran.
The change of aircraft came as the conflict with Iran intensified. The US carried out fresh strikes on Iranian targets after accusing Tehran of attacking commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by launching attacks targeting US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, while missile warning sirens sounded across Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. Kuwait's military said it intercepted incoming missiles and drones.
