New Air Force One Lacks Antimissile Defenses on Qatar-Donated 747-8
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 10
New Air Force One Lacks Antimissile Defenses on Qatar-Donated 747-8
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 10
Summary
Multiple officials briefed on the retrofit said the new Air Force One lacks key defensive countermeasures carried by the previous presidential jet, including advanced antimissile systems.
The security gap became immediately consequential this week when Trump flew the aircraft to Turkey but returned on the old Air Force One after the Secret Service urged a switch.
The 747-8 was donated by Qatar and rushed into service after Trump pressed for a faster replacement of the aging fleet and complained the older plane was not impressive enough for foreign trips.
Lawmakers are now pressing the administration to disclose whether the Air Force-led yearlong overhaul added sufficient protections, while the White House has defended the aircraft's safety without detailing its capabilities.