The new presidential jet that Donald Trump will use is claimed to lack some defense capabilities critical for protecting the U.S. president in the air. The New York Times, citing U.S. officials, reported that the Boeing 747 aircraft gifted by Qatar does not have a system to neutralize heat-seeking missiles.
The components of this defense system, visible under the wings and on the tail of the old Air Force One aircraft, do not appear in photos of the new jet. Former U.S. military officials who worked on the project said the accelerated work schedule left insufficient time to make all the security modifications required for a fully equipped presidential aircraft.
A former senior White House official also stated that security concerns frequently caused tensions between White House staff, military advisers, and the Secret Service over travel plans.
Old fleet to be retired
The current VC-25A Boeing 747-200B aircraft, which have carried U.S. presidents for about 35 years, are being retired due to their age. First used during the George H. W. Bush administration, this two-plane fleet was used for 223 international trips to 96 countries during Trump's term, according to information he provided, and logged more than 6 million miles of flight.
The new Air Force One that will replace them was prepared on an accelerated schedule by the Pentagon and contractor L3Harris and made ready for presidential duties at the request of the Trump administration.