US President Donald Trump left Ankara after the NATO summit in Turkey not on the new presidential aircraft donated by Qatar, but on the old Air Force One. The reason was credible information about a possible missile attack from Iran and affiliated groups, CBS News reports, UNN writes.
Details
According to US officials, the United States received intelligence about a real threat of a missile launch at the presidential aircraft. After that, the US Secret Service promptly changed the flight plan.
As CBS News notes, Trump arrived in Ankara on a new Boeing 747-8 worth about $400 million, which the US received from the Qatari government and refitted for presidential transport. However, after the summit ended, he flew to Great Britain on the old Air Force One, and only switched to the new aircraft before returning to the US.
According to the TV channel, the old presidential aircraft are equipped with laser countermeasure systems against missiles and other protective means capable of diverting missiles from their target. At the same time, it is unknown whether the new aircraft donated by Qatar has similar equipment.
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This week, the White House reported that Trump will continue to use the old Air Force One while the new aircraft undergoes additional modernization.
"The new Air Force One is completely safe for presidential flights, but in the fall it will undergo additional updates and improvements that will last about a month. During this time, the president will fly on the old Air Force One," said White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt.
Trump himself noted that the new aircraft already has "many capabilities," but after the modernization is complete, its equipment will be maximally enhanced.
CBS News also recalls that amid the new escalation of the war with Iran, Trump has repeatedly stated possible threats to his own security. Earlier, he claimed that the US is ready for an immediate response in the event of an assassination attempt by Iran.
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