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New Air Force One Lacks Defensive Countermeasures of Previous Model, Officials Say
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- The new Air Force One, a Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar and recently used by President Trump, lacks advanced defensive countermeasures, including antimissile capabilities present in the old model.
- Security concerns about the new plane's capabilities led to President Trump abruptly leaving Turkey on the older Air Force One, following Secret Service advice.
- The rapid retrofit of the donated aircraft, driven by Trump's demand to replace the aging fleet quickly, has raised questions among lawmakers about whether the security upgrades are adequate.
- The safety of the aircraft is crucial due to the large number of White House staff, Secret Service agents, journalists, and guests who travel aboard with the president.
- The White House has declined to detail the new plane’s security features but maintains that it is safe for use.
