Donald Trump stated that the new Air Force One aircraft, gifted by Qatar, will be sent for about a month of system upgrades after reports revealed it still lacks some missile defense and security measures.
On 20 July 2026 GMT+7, international news agencies reported that U.S. President Donald Trump revealed the new Air Force One, received from the Qatari royal family, will undergo additional system upgrades within about one month to fully enhance the aircraft's capabilities following security concerns.
The U.S. leader said the plane already has many capabilities but will be sent for further upgrades to maximize performance, expected to take about one month. However, he did not disclose details on which systems the upgrades will cover.
This move follows doubts about the security systems of the new plane after Trump used a Boeing 747-8 modified as Air Force One on 1 July but returned from the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on 10 July using the old plane. Previously, The New York Times reported the new plane lacks some protective systems found in the current Air Force One, including missile defense, raising security concerns..