In a push to upgrade the presidential aircraft, President Donald Trump is keen on having a new Air Force One, but his ambitions may hinge on a decision to compromise on security measures. Discussions are underway regarding the transformation of a luxury jet from the Qatari royal family into a suitable aircraft for the U.S. President, amidst legal considerations by government attorneys.
Current Air Force One models are several decades old, and any modernization endeavor reflective of those specifications would likely encounter similar challenges as Boeing’s ongoing project to replace them, a project already plagued by delays and increased costs. According to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, the security modifications required might cost under $400 million, though specific details were sparse.
To achieve Trump’s goal of having the Qatari jet operational by the end of his term, it might necessitate omitting certain safety features. An unnamed White House official confirmed that the President desires the aircraft promptly while remaining within security guidelines but did not delve into specifics about the equipment or timeframe.
President Trump, who has previously faced assassination threats and plots against his life, seems ready to accept some security risks, especially concerning communications. He often uses his personal phone, disregarding potential hacking threats. Recently, he highlighted that the government acquired the plane “for free,” intending to use it temporarily as Air Force One until new models are available.
Transforming the Qatari plane into a presidential aircraft involves substantial modifications. Air Force One is not merely a moniker but a designation assigned to any plane carrying the U.S. President. The aircraft must be equipped with state-of-the-art communications, survivability features, and defensive capabilities, allowing the president to govern and control military operations or nuclear weaponry during crises.
Former Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James noted that the plane must have four engines to remain operational if any engines fail, an aspect complicated by the cessation of 747 production, which makes sourcing parts challenging. Vital security features include anti-missile defenses and protection against nuclear threats, ensuring that the aircraft can continue flying under any circumstances.
Retrofitting the Qatari jet to meet these standards might cost around $1.5 billion and take years, but Air Force Secretary Meink downplayed these figures, suggesting some costs would overlap with those of new planes being developed. Representative Joe Courtney estimated about $1 billion would be required for essential upgrades like encrypted communications and defense systems.
Trump might consider bypassing some stipulations, such as electromagnetic shielding, to speed up retrofitting efforts, a trade-off which could increase communication vulnerabilities but reduce modification time. Boeing has already simplified aspects of its new 747 designs, eliminating certain features like in-flight refueling.
Paul Eckloff, a former Secret Service protection expert, believes the President has significant sway in these decisions. However, details of any waived requirements should remain confidential as they could render the aircraft susceptible to adversaries.
Trump, maintaining a model of a new Air Force One with a unique color scheme in his office, seemingly has a strong interest in the aesthetic appeal of the aircraft, not just its functionality. The Qatari plane he inspected earlier this year near his Mar-a-Lago resort requires standard maintenance typical for a complex four-engine plane.
Some officials, including Senator Tammy Duckworth, argue that using the Qatari plane without verifying that it can endure nuclear threats could compromise national security and squander taxpayer money. Meanwhile, ongoing issues with Boeing’s project, such as stress corrosion and excessive cabin noise, have delayed the delivery of updated models.
Boeing deferred inquiries back to the Air Force, which is coordinating with Boeing to hasten the delivery of at least one of the new planes. Despite endeavors to expedite the project, the aircraft will need rigorous real-world testing to confirm reliability and safety before it can serve as Air Force One.
James speculated on how Trump might manage potential challenges, acknowledging customary delays in certifications, though presidential influence often expedites processes. As urgency mounts, the path forward for upgrading the presidential fleet remains intertwined with considerations of safety, cost, and timing.