"The new Air Force One is safe for presidential travel but will undergo additional upgrades and enhancements this autumn, a process expected to take about one month. During this period, the President will utilize the older Air Force One aircraft", White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on 20/7.

Leavitt's statement clarified comments made by President Donald Trump on the evening of 19/7, when he announced the new Air Force One would undergo "maximum upgrades."

The VC-25B bridge aircraft takes off from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, US on 4/7. Video: USAF

President Trump made his statement when reporters questioned the use of the new Air Force One, officially designated the VC-25B bridge aircraft, given its perceived lack of a "missile defense system." "It possesses many capabilities. As I understand it, they will send it for maximum upgrades in about another month," he stated, adding that the process would take approximately one month.

The VC-25B bridge aircraft was converted by defense company L3Harris from a Boeing 747-8i, nicknamed the "flying palace," gifted to the US by Qatar last year. This aircraft will serve as Air Force One for the US President while Boeing finalizes modifications on two other 747-8i aircraft to become the fully equipped VC-25B planes.

The VC-25B bridge aircraft features state-of-the-art communication systems. It is also larger than the VC-25A, exceeding it in length by about 5 meters.

The VC-25B bridge aircraft at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, US on 3/7. Photo: USAF

However, the VC-25B bridge aircraft reportedly lacks a missile approach warning system, infrared countermeasures, and flares, which are present on the older VC-25A. It remains uncertain if this aircraft possesses the ability to withstand electromagnetic pulse attacks and maintain command and control capabilities, as the fully equipped VC-25B version in Boeing's project would.

Jason Lambert, a leader at L3Harris, declined to reveal details about the aircraft's defense and command systems. He also did not comment on whether the US Air Force relaxed or removed requirements to expedite the VC-25B bridge aircraft project, compared to Boeing's specifications for the complete VC-25B version.

The VC-25B bridge aircraft's protective capabilities gained attention after President Trump, earlier this month, departed the NATO summit in Turkey aboard the older VC-25A aircraft. He subsequently landed at Mildenhall Air Force Base in England, an unscheduled stop, to switch to the VC-25B bridge aircraft.

The VC-25B bridge aircraft at Mildenhall Air Force Base in England on 8/7. Photo: USAF

President Trump explained his stop in England was to allow US service members at Mildenhall Air Force Base to view the new Air Force One. He denied reports that the unexpected aircraft change stemmed from security concerns, though he reiterated that he is constantly under threat and is Iran's "number one target."

The New York Times, citing informed sources, reported that before Trump departed Turkey, the US Secret Service advised him to use the older aircraft to ensure security amid escalating US tensions with Iran. The decision to change planes was a precautionary measure, not a response to a specific threat.

By Pham Giang (Sources: AP, Reuters, War Zone)