Qatari-gifted Air Force One Security Upgrades
President Donald Trump confirmed the Qatari-gifted Air Force One will undergo “maxed out” security upgrades, with the White House stating the process will take about a month, according to multiple reports. The $400 million jet, which Trump has flown on intermittently, faces scrutiny over its defensive capabilities.
President Donald Trump acknowledged during a press appearance that the Qatari-gifted Air Force One will undergo security upgrades, saying, It has a lot of capability but, as I understand it, in about a month or so they’re going to send it to have it be maxed out.
The statement marks the first time Trump has explicitly addressed concerns about the plane’s defensive systems.
FIFA World Cup Final Press Appearance
Trump’s remarks came after he attended the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, where he was asked about the jet’s missile-defense capabilities. The president did not specify what upgrades would occur but implied the plane lacked some features of the older model. They’re going to be sending it, and they’ll have it be maxed out. It’ll take about a month,
he said.
The White House confirmed the plan, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stating, The new Air Force One is perfectly safe for the President’s travels, but will receive additional upgrades and enhancements in the fall which will take approximately one month to complete,
as reported by CBS News. Leavitt added that Trump will use the old Air Force One during the upgrades.
Mildenhall Air Base Security Concerns
Security concerns about the new plane emerged after Trump unexpectedly ditched the jet during his return from a NATO summit in Turkey. While Trump claimed the move was to give U.S. service members stationed at Mildenhall Air Base in England a chance to tour the Aircraft,
sources told CBS News the swap was at the request of the U.S. Secret Service, partly because the new plane wasn’t yet equipped with the security features and systems of the original. The older planes that serve as Air Force One have laser technology to blind an incoming missile, a system that could misdirect incoming munitions and other diversion technologies, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
The controversy has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, who have raised ethical and security questions about accepting a $400 million aircraft from Qatar. The jet underwent approximately 10 months of work before Mr. Trump flew it for the first time on July 1. U.S. President Donald Trump steps out of the new Air Force One, gifted to him by Qatar, in a hangar at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on June 19, 2026.
For more on this story, see Qatari-Gifted AF1 to Undergo ‘Maxed Out’ Upgrades Amid Security Concerns.
However, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN the newer plane did not possess the same capabilities to ensure its safety in international settings, though a third said it was equipped with many of the same features as the older plane.
Security personnel felt more comfortable with the president aboard the older plane—which was built from scratch with the commander-in-chief’s safety in mind—rather than the plane that had recently been retrofitted after it was donated by Qatar, officials told CNN.
White House Investigation into Leaks
The controversy has also led to an investigation into who talked to reporters about the plane’s security deficiencies. The White House has moved aggressively to investigate, with Chief of staff Susie Wiles and FBI Director Kash Patel personally involved in that effort. A little over a week ago, officials were asked to turn over their phones at the White House. The New York Times, which first reported on the security issues with the plane, said that four of its reporters were subpoenaed by the government.
Trump has flown on the new plane a handful of times since its debut in June. However, after flying in the new Air Force One to Turkey earlier this month, Trump was in the old one for part of the journey back. The new plane, gifted by Qatar’s royal family last year, has faced criticism from lawmakers who raised both security and ethical concerns about accepting the plane.
During the upgrades, Trump will continue using the old Air Force One.
Trump’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny of the plane’s security, including a recent investigation into leaks about its capabilities. The White House has moved aggressively to investigate, with Chief of staff Susie Wiles and FBI Director Kash Patel personally involved in that effort. A little over a week ago, officials were asked to turn over their phones at the White House. The New York Times, which first reported on the security issues with the plane, said that four of its reporters were subpoenaed by the government.
Lawmakers Question Qatar’s $400 Million Gift
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