Trump Uses Older Air Force One Amid Iran Tensions on Secret Service Advice

According to a New York Times report, U.S. President Donald Trump departed NATO summit in Ankara on July 8, 2026, aboard his older Air Force One aircraft rather than the newer plane gifted by Qatar. This unusual decision was made on the recommendation of the Secret Service amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Sources familiar with the matter said the older plane is equipped with advanced defensive systems, including countermeasures against surface-to-air missiles, which may not be fully installed on the newer aircraft.

Trump initially denied that security concerns prompted the switch, explaining that the new plane had taken off earlier to visit U.S. military bases and showcase its features to troops. However, after departure, he acknowledged the possibility that the change was related to threats from Iran. The manner of departure from Ankara was also atypical: Trump boarded the older plane quickly, before accompanying journalists could observe or photograph him, and passengers were instructed to close window shades before takeoff.

The older Air Force One landed later that night at the U.S. military base at Mildenhall, England, where Trump transferred to the newer plane to continue his journey to Washington. The older aircraft’s defensive capabilities include systems designed to blind incoming missiles and deploy tiny metal strips to confuse missile guidance. It remains unclear how many of these protections the newer Qatari plane possesses, which was introduced under presidential pressure only months earlier.