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

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

Trump initially denied that security concerns prompted the aircraft switch, explaining that the new plane had taken off earlier to visit US 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 departure from Ankara was also unusual, with Trump boarding the older plane quickly before accompanying journalists could photograph him, and passengers were asked to close window shades before takeoff.

The older plane landed at RAF Mildenhall in the UK late at night, where Trump transferred to the newer Air Force One to continue to Washington. The newer plane had been introduced only months earlier under pressure from the president. The older aircraft’s defensive systems include infrared countermeasures and metal strip dispensers designed to confuse and divert incoming missiles. It remains unclear how many of these systems are installed on the newer Qatari plane.