Tajna služba je savjetovala Trumpa da ne leti Katarskim darom Air Force One

On April 29, 2026, President Donald Trump's departure from Turkey following a NATO summit took an unexpected turn when he opted to fly part of his return journey on an older Air Force One aircraft rather than the newly acquired Qatari-gifted jet. This decision, reportedly influenced by security considerations linked to tensions with Iran, sparked discussions about the capabilities and readiness of the new presidential aircraft. According to reports, the Secret Service recommended that Trump avoid using the newer Qatari jet, which had been converted from a commercial Boeing 747-8. Instead, he traveled on the older model, a Boeing VC-25A, which had served as Air Force One for decades.

The change in aircraft occurred amid heightened geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. Just days before Trump's departure, Iran had launched attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane. In response, the U.S. military conducted retaliatory strikes in Iran. These developments likely contributed to the decision to use the older plane, which is equipped with advanced defensive systems designed to counter threats such as anti-aircraft missiles. The older model retained these features, whereas the Qatari jet, despite being state-of-the-art, lacked certain critical modifications, including full mid-air refueling capability and some missile detection systems.

Trump explained the switch in a social media post, stating that the Qatari jet had been sent to RAF Mildenhall in England so that military personnel could tour the aircraft. He mentioned that he would fly back to the United States on the older plane, referring to the choice as being "for old time's sake." During a press conference, when asked about security concerns related to the switch, Trump emphasized his stance on Iran, stating he was "No. 1 on the list for killing" and indicated that the U.S. might resume strikes on Iranian targets, potentially including civilian infrastructure. However, he did not confirm whether the security concerns were the primary reason behind the decision.

The use of the older Air Force One raised additional questions about the readiness of the new aircraft. Defense analysts pointed out that the Qatari jet, while impressive in appearance, had undergone a rapid conversion process without all the necessary upgrades. The U.S. Air Force acknowledged that some modifications were omitted to expedite the delivery of the aircraft, though they maintained that the bridge aircraft was safe and functional for its intended purpose. Nevertheless, the absence of specific countermeasure systems and communication equipment prompted speculation about its suitability for high-risk missions.

During his flight from Turkey, Trump's aircraft disabled its transponder, a move typically taken in high-threat areas to prevent tracking. This action contrasted sharply with the flights of other world leaders, whose planes remained trackable. The older Air Force One, having been used for decades, was well-suited for such measures, reinforcing the rationale behind its selection for this particular trip.

As Trump continued his journey, he transferred to the Qatari jet at RAF Mildenhall, where it was displayed to military personnel. The incident highlighted ongoing debates about the balance between modernization and security in presidential aviation. While the new aircraft represented a significant investment and a symbol of national pride, its readiness for combat scenarios remains under scrutiny. With tensions continuing to simmer between the U.S. and Iran, the choice of aircraft for future trips will likely remain a topic of discussion among defense experts and policymakers alike.