Trump's new Air Force One to get missile defense upgrades after security concerns
US President Donald Trump's newly renovated Air Force One, a Boeing 747 accepted as a gift last year, is set to undergo further upgrades to enhance its missile defense capabilities. The plane entered service on July 1, but Trump unexpectedly switched to an older Air Force One for a flight from Turkey to the UK on July 8 amid rising tensions with Iran, citing nostalgia. Experts have raised concerns that the rapid renovation may have compromised security. Trump confirmed on July 14 that the aircraft will be 'maxed out' with additional defensive systems within about a month.
Key facts
- Trump accepted the Boeing 747 as a gift last year.
- The plane began service on July 1.
- Trump flew an older Air Force One from Turkey to the UK on July 8.
- Experts expressed concern over the speed of upgrades.
- Trump stated the plane will be 'maxed out' with missile defense in about a month.
- The upgrades are expected to take about a month.
- The plane currently lacks full missile defense capabilities.
- Trump's switch to an older plane occurred amid rising hostility with Iran.
Entities
Institutions
- Boeing
- Air Force One
Locations
- United States
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
- Iran
- New Jersey
- Joint Base Andrews