WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the Qatar-gifted Air Force One will soon undergo a month-long security upgrade to equip it with full defensive capabilities, following reports that the aircraft currently lacks some of the advanced protection systems used on the traditional presidential fleet.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews after returning from the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, Trump said the retrofitted Boeing 747-8 would soon be sent for additional modifications.
“It has a lot of capability, but as I understand it, in about a month or so, they’re going to send it to have it be maxed out,” Trump said. “It’ll take about a month.”
Security Concerns Raised
The announcement follows reports questioning the aircraft’s defensive readiness after Trump used an older presidential aircraft to return from a NATO meeting in Turkiye earlier this month.
According to reports, the Qatar-donated jet does not yet include all of the sophisticated security systems installed on the standard Air Force One fleet, including advanced anti-missile defense technology and other classified protective measures.
Although Trump did not specify what upgrades would be added, he indicated the aircraft would receive its highest possible level of security before returning to regular service.
Luxury Aircraft Gifted by Qatar
The luxury Boeing 747-8 was donated by Qatar’s royal family after Trump repeatedly criticized the aging presidential aircraft that have served US presidents since 1990.
The aircraft also features a new red, white, and navy blue exterior designed under Trump’s direction, replacing the traditional light-blue Air Force One color scheme.
Trump first flew aboard the aircraft on July 1, making it the newest addition to the presidential fleet.
Criticism Over Foreign Gift
The acceptance of the aircraft has sparked political debate in the United States.
Critics have questioned the ethical, constitutional, and national security implications of accepting a luxury aircraft valued at hundreds of millions of dollars from a foreign government.
Some lawmakers and security experts have argued that such an aircraft must undergo extensive inspections and modifications before being trusted for presidential travel.
New Air Force One Fleet Still Delayed
The upgraded Qatar-donated aircraft is expected to serve until Boeing delivers two brand-new Air Force One jets, which have faced years of delays and rising costs.
The new presidential aircraft are now expected to enter service later this decade.
Trump has consistently defended the temporary use of the Qatar-gifted plane, maintaining that it provides a modern replacement while the long-delayed Boeing aircraft remain under construction.
