The Air Force is planning to convert a Qatari luxury jet into an interim Air Force One at the directive of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This decision has raised bipartisan concerns regarding the safety and ethics of accepting a plane from a foreign government. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink confirmed the plans during a Senate Armed Services committee hearing.
Recently, former President Donald Trump announced plans to utilize a $400 million jet from Qatar as an interim Air Force One, referring to it as a “gift, free of charge” to the Defense Department. However, CNN reported that the Trump administration first initiated contact with Qatar about the jet, contradicting Trump’s claim that Qatar offered it to him initially.
Concerns regarding national security have intensified on Capitol Hill, with overhauling the jet estimated to potentially cost over a billion dollars, according to Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) during the hearing. Meink stated that the Air Force will assess all relevant issues and is prepared to make necessary modifications, as confirmed by Air Force Chief General David Allvin.
The timeline for modifications remains uncertain. Trump reportedly aims to use the aircraft by the end of the year, but former defense officials indicate that essential security improvements may require a longer duration. Specific enhancements include identifying potential spy devices and integrating secure communications and defensive systems.
Boeing is currently delayed in producing two new VC-25B Air Force One jets, originally projected for delivery in 2024 but now likely to arrive in 2028 or 2029. However, Boeing indicated that delivery could be accelerated to 2027 if some program requirements are adjusted.
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) suggested that the Air Force is already developing plans to convert the Qatari jet. He proposed that some systems from the Qatari jet could be transferred to the new VC-25Bs, making a case for utilizing these systems as the U.S. transitions from the old 747s still in service.
In response to inquiries about plans for the Qatari jet, the Air Force stated that it had no additional comments.
