Former US President Donald Trump secretly swapped planes in Turkey last month, using a catering truck to move between aircraft. This elaborate maneuver occurred during a NATO summit and was a direct response to a possible Iranian missile threat. The incident, reported by US media, involved Trump boarding Air Force One publicly before being covertly transferred to a military aircraft.
The secret switch was triggered by intelligence indicating a credible Iranian threat to fire a missile at the presidential plane. Officials informed CBS News, a US partner of the BBC, about the severity of the threat. Journalists and some White House staff on board the original Air Force One were kept unaware of the president's departure.
This event underscores the persistent geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. It followed a renewal of US military strikes on Iran, occurring after negotiations between Washington and Tehran broke down. The ongoing friction between the two nations frequently leads to heightened security measures for high-profile US officials.
The White House has not officially confirmed the secret plane swap. However, White House communications director Steven Cheung stated that the new Air Force One is a "state-of-the-art aircraft" equipped with advanced security measures. This statement, while not directly confirming the incident, acknowledges the need for robust presidential security.
The clandestine operation saw Trump board a newer Boeing 747-8, donated by Qatar, in Ankara. He then announced he would depart on the older Air Force One for sentimental reasons. Footage from July 8 showed him boarding the presidential jet at Ankara airport. However, he was then secretly moved to a smaller C-32A military aircraft, a modified Boeing 757 typically used by the vice-president. This transfer happened via a catering truck elevated to plane level on the opposite side of the aircraft.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly boarded the C-32A separately. This was done to maintain the appearance of a normal flight. Journalists and some White House staff on Air Force One were instructed to close their window shades. They remained unaware that the president was no longer on board the aircraft.
A pool producer on the plane noted the unusual request to keep window shades down. A photographer who briefly opened one was quickly told to close it by the Secret Service. The producer also observed two catering trucks at the front and back of the plane upon arrival. Their van was too far back in the motorcade to photograph the president boarding.
Technically, "Air Force One" is the call sign for any aircraft carrying the US president. In this instance, the C-32A used the call sign "Reach 18." The aircraft carrying the journalists continued to use "AF1" to maintain the deception. Trump then flew to the UK en route to the US, where he reboarded the old Air Force One. He was seen descending from the aircraft after it landed at RAF Mildenhall.
It remains unclear how Trump moved from the C-32A back to the legacy jet. He then transferred to the new Qatari-donated Air Force One for his return to Washington. During that final flight, Trump spoke to reporters about Iranian threats but did not mention the earlier plane swap. When asked about the window shade request, Trump cited the dangers posed by "sleazebags" and constant threats to his life.
US intelligence had previously warned of specific threats against Trump or his aircraft. The New York Times reported earlier security concerns regarding the Qatari-gifted jet. The Secret Service had urged Trump to switch planes on his return from the NATO summit. The Justice Department is investigating illegal leaks related to these security concerns.
The US has spent months retrofitting the 400 million dollar Boeing 747-8 for presidential use. Older Air Force One planes possess laser technology to blind incoming missiles. The specific systems on the Qatari jet are not yet clear. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the new Air Force One is safe but will receive additional upgrades in the fall.