Trump's departure from Ankara on the old Air Force One brings security debate back to the agenda

US President Donald Trump's change of aircraft upon his return to the US following the NATO Summit in Ankara has reignited security debates in Washington. It was stated that Trump had arrived in Turkey on the new Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar, but used the old Air Force One for his return.

According to a report by The New York Times, citing sources close to the planning, the change was made upon the security advice of the US Secret Service during a period when tensions with Iran are rising again. The report stated that the decision was based on a precautionary security assessment rather than a specific and concrete threat of attack.

TWO DIFFERENT EXPLANATIONS FOR THE AIRCRAFT CHANGE

Trump, however, denied the claim that he changed aircraft for security reasons. The US President said he wanted the new aircraft to reach Mildenhall Air Base in the UK early, and that this planning was made so that American soldiers serving there could see the plane. In a post on his social media account, he explained his departure from Ankara on the old plane with the phrase "a memory of the old days."

Nevertheless, while answering journalists' questions, Trump used striking expressions regarding potential threats from Iran. Claiming that Iran is targeting him, Trump said, "I am number one on Iran's kill list. But I don't care. I'm doing my job." Trump also stated that the new aircraft would be sent to Europe, adding, "We are sending it so the soldiers can see it. It is a really beautiful plane."

The New York Times report also alleged that as Trump left Ankara, he switched to the old Air Force One without allowing journalists to take footage, and that members of the press on the plane were instructed to close the window shades before takeoff. It was reported that Trump later said this was a precaution taken due to a possible threat from Iran.

THE NEW AIRCRAFT'S EQUIPMENT IS BEING DEBATED

At the center of the debate is the question of whether the Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar meets full-scale Air Force One standards. According to the report, sources familiar with the technical specifications of the aircraft who did not want to be named stated that the new plane does not yet possess all the defense systems found on the old Air Force One.

It is stated that the old Air Force One is equipped with electronic jamming systems, advanced missile defense technologies, and critical security equipment. The extent to which these systems have been integrated into the new aircraft has not been disclosed to the public. Some members of Congress and US officials are expressing concern that accelerating the modernization process could lead to security vulnerabilities.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, however, defended the safety of the new aircraft. Cheung stated, "The new Air Force One is a state-of-the-art aircraft equipped with high-level security protocols that ensure the safety of the president and his staff." Cheung also said that "all available tools" are being used against threats targeting the US, including distraction and deception methods.

There are also differing assessments regarding the cost and time required to upgrade the aircraft to Air Force One standards. While assessments from industry and Pentagon circles indicate that a full conversion could cost approximately 1 billion dollars and take up to two years, US Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink had stated in his testimony to Congress that the modernization cost would "likely remain under 400 million dollars."

Following the NATO Summit in Ankara, Trump also thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Saying that Erdoğan manages a "very successful and good country," Trump drew attention to Turkey's military power. Thanking NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte as well, Trump emphasized the importance of the 5 percent target in defense spending and described the summit as "very successful."

News Source: 12punto