The new Air Force One, which President Donald Trump recently flew on, lacks the same defensive countermeasures as the previous model, including its advanced antimissile capabilities, according to multiple officials who have been briefed on the retrofitting of the jet.
Security Concerns
Experts say the absence of these capabilities on the Boeing 747-8 aircraft creates potential risks, particularly when flying abroad. The Secret Service recently urged Trump to leave Turkey on the old Air Force One due to security concerns.
The new plane was donated by Qatar and has been retrofitted over the past year. Lawmakers have called on the administration to disclose whether the overhaul provided sufficient security upgrades. The safety of the aircraft is critical not only for the president but also for the large entourage of White House staff, Secret Service officials, journalists, and guests who fly aboard.
Defensive Systems
The older Air Force One planes included a defensive system designed to defeat heat-seeking missiles. This capacity is also planned to be included in the new Boeing planes. However, the new Qatari plane does not have the same counter-defensive capabilities as the previous model.
Former Air Force officials have expressed surprise that Trump flew on the new jet overseas, given the greater security risks. The speed of the retrofitting project meant there was not enough time to make all the necessary security modifications.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
