Trump returning to US on old Air Force One amid Iran threats
Trump Chooses Vintage Aircraft for Return Journey Amid Security Discussions
Trump returning to US on old Air - President Donald Trump made the decision Wednesday to board the older Air Force One aircraft for his journey back to the United States from Turkey, while simultaneously addressing questions about security considerations surrounding the newly acquired Qatari-donated model. The president confirmed his travel plans during a press gathering in Ankara, just prior to departing from the NATO summit proceedings.
Security Concerns and Iran Threats
When questioned about the reasoning behind his choice of aircraft, Trump acknowledged his position as a primary target for Iranian forces. "I'm No. 1 on the kill list for Iran," the president declared to reporters assembled at his press conference. Despite this acknowledgment, he expressed confidence in his safety, stating, "I don't really care because I'm doing my job." In a lighter moment, Trump also joked about his social media prominence, noting he preferred being "No. 1 on TikTok."
They had leaders; they're gone, and they had another set of leaders; they're gone. Now they have another set of leaders, they may be gone, who knows, and you know what, I may be gone too, because I'm their No. 1 target.
Trump reiterated this sentiment throughout his comments at the NATO summit, referencing the pattern of Iranian leadership changes. The president's remarks came as the new aircraft was being prepared for a separate journey to the United States.
The New Aircraft's European Tour
Trump explained that the newly acquired $400 million Air Force One would travel through Europe before reaching American soil, allowing military personnel the opportunity to view the aircraft. "And we'll be going home by normal methods," he told reporters. "But we have it going to Europe to a couple of bases, actually one in particular, but it's going to a couple of bases so the soldiers can see it because it's truly magnificent."
Earlier on Wednesday, the president announced that the new plane would be sent to Royal Air Force Mildenhall in the United Kingdom. He shared this decision on Truth Social, writing that the move would honor military service members. "To honor our brave men and women of the Military, we are sending the brand new, and truly spectacular, Air Force One to Mildenhall Air Force Base, in the United Kingdom, to give them a chance to tour the Aircraft — Everybody is so excited, and we thought that they should be the first," he posted.
For old time's sake, we'll be taking the former Air Force One, from Turkey to Mildenhall, a short trip that is totally worth doing in order to give our Great Military Heroes a chance to appreciate our beautiful new addition to the Air Force Fleet!
Aircraft Fleet Transition Timeline
The Qatari-donated aircraft, which Trump unveiled last month following extensive retrofitting, serves as an interim solution in the Air Force One fleet modernization. The plane is expected to function as a "bridge" aircraft, operating between the aging Boeing 747-200s that have served for more than twenty years and the two new Boeing planes anticipated to arrive in 2028 rather than the originally projected 2024.
The U.S. Air Force reported investing less than $400 million in security upgrades for the new aircraft. However, the Associated Press noted last week that the Qatari plane may lack certain missile detection and countermeasure systems found on the older models. One aviation expert told the news organization that the new aircraft appeared better suited for domestic travel rather than international missions.
The new plane recently completed a domestic flight to North Dakota before being utilized by the president for his journey to Turkey, marking one of its first significant international deployments since acquisition.