Trump's Qatari Air Force One may lack key defense systems despite $1B US military retrofit

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump’s Qatari Air Force One may be missing key defensive systems found on older presidential aircraft, according to a new report that has intensified scrutiny over its use on overseas trips.

The White House has insisted the aircraft is fully secure. However, former Air Force and Pentagon officials cited in the report questioned whether the jet received all the modifications typically required before entering presidential service, particularly as threats against Trump remain elevated.

Trump's Qatari Air Force One faces defense system questions

The $400 million Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar was upgraded by the US Air Force at an estimated cost of $1 billion before being put into service as a temporary Air Force One until Boeing delivers a new presidential fleet in 2028.

According to a report by the New York Times published on Friday, July 10, industry experts said the aircraft lacks some of the advanced anti missile defense systems installed on older Air Force One jets, potentially making it more vulnerable when flying outside US airspace.

Trump first used the aircraft during a trip to North Dakota to open the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library before flying it to Turkey for a two day NATO summit. He later returned to Washington aboard the older Air Force One, The Independent reported. 

Trump publicly dismissed questions about the switch, saying he returned on the older aircraft "for old time's sake."

However, officials told the New York Times the change came after the Secret Service urged caution amid renewed threats against Trump from Iran as tensions flared over the Strait of Hormuz.

Former Air Force officials raise concerns over retrofit timeline

Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said the aircraft's conversion timeline raised concerns.

"Time didn't permit all the normal Air Force One modifications, so some mix of security, communications and support is missing," Kendall said.

He added, "With the Iran situation, this could be of concern. Frankly, I'm surprised to see this plane used outside the US."

Former Air Force Assistant Secretary Andrew P. Hunter also said one year was not enough time to fully convert a Boeing 747 into a presidential aircraft with the unique capabilities expected of Air Force One.

The New York Times also cited former Pentagon officials who said defensive systems designed to protect Air Force One from heat seeking missiles were not visible in publicly available photographs of the Qatari aircraft, unlike older presidential planes where the equipment can be seen beneath the wings and tail.

White House defends security of Trump's Air Force One

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung rejected concerns about the aircraft's readiness.

"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," Cheung told The Independent.

He added that the administration uses "every tool at our disposal — including distraction and misdirection" because "there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him."

Sen Chris Murphy spoke during a news conference at the US Capitol in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Cheung also cited a recent Air Force statement saying, "The aircraft is safe, secure and equipped with the most advanced technologies necessary to meet the requirements of the presidential mission."

The statement added that "no risk was taken in security, safety or mission communications," although officials acknowledged the project involved "trades on some of the less commonly used mission sets" that Boeing's future Air Force One aircraft are expected to provide.

Not all lawmakers were persuaded. A dozen members of Congress wrote to the White House on Tuesday seeking details about the aircraft's security upgrades, while Sen. Chris Murphy argued Trump's public praise for the jet's luxury suggested the decision making process "prioritized Trump's personal comfort and tastes over US national security."