Trump says Qatari-donated Air Force One is headed for security work

President Trump says the luxury jet Qatar donated for use as a new Air Force One is about to spend time in the shop for security upgrades.

Speaking to reporters Sunday after attending the World Cup final in New Jersey, Trump said the aircraft already has “a lot of capability,” but would soon be sent away to have those systems “maxed out.” He said the work would begin in roughly a month and would take about a month.

Trump did not spell out which systems would be upgraded. His remarks appeared to acknowledge, however, that the newer aircraft does not yet have every capability carried by the older planes currently used as Air Force One.

Secret Service concerns followed Turkey trip

The comments came after questions about why Trump switched planes during a recent overseas trip.

According to CBS News, Trump flew the newer aircraft to Turkey earlier this month, then used the older Air Force One for part of the return trip. Trump said at the time that the donated jet had been sent ahead so U.S. service members stationed in England could tour it.

CBS News later reported, citing sources, that the change had been requested by the U.S. Secret Service. The reported reason was partly that the newer aircraft had not yet been fitted with the same security features and systems as the older plane.

Sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that the existing Air Force One planes include defensive technology such as laser systems designed to blind incoming missiles, equipment that can misdirect incoming munitions, and other diversion tools.

Trump has used the Qatari-donated plane only a handful of times since it made its debut in June, according to CBS News. The plane had gone through about 10 months of work before Trump flew on it for the first time on July 1.

Gift drew scrutiny from lawmakers

The jet was given by Qatar’s royal family last year, CBS News reported. Its acceptance has drawn criticism from lawmakers who questioned both the security risks and the ethics of using a luxury aircraft donated by a foreign royal family.

The White House has not, in the CBS News account, detailed what specific changes will be made during the upcoming work. Trump’s description was limited to saying the aircraft would be sent away and “maxed out.”

For now, the older Air Force One remains part of the president’s travel setup while the newer plane waits for the defensive upgrades Trump said are coming.

This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.