President Trump is looking to fly on a luxury Qatari jet that could serve as Air Force One. Significant modifications for safety and communication are needed, which could cost as much as $1.5 billion and take years. Debate continues over whether to prioritize speed or security, with some officials warning against potential risks.
President Donald Trump has expressed a strong desire to fly on an upgraded Air Force One, but doing so may hinge on his willingness to compromise on security measures. As lawyers navigate the legalities of accepting a luxury jet from the Qatari royal family, discussions are also taking place about the significant modifications needed to ensure the plane is safe for presidential use.
To make the Qatari plane align with the security standards of the existing Air Force One 747s, the cost of the necessary upgrades could hit below $400 million, according to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink. However, specifics about what these modifications entail or how long they would take to complete remain undisclosed. A White House official implied that the aim is to get the jet operational quickly while maintaining compliance with security protocols, though how this will be achieved is still up in the air.
Trump is no stranger to threats, having experienced two assassination attempts and perhaps even plotting against him by foreign adversaries. Despite his awareness of these risks, he appears open to relaxing certain security protocols for the sake of expediency. For example, he prefers to keep his personal phone close at hand, regardless of hack risks.
Air Force One refers to any aircraft carrying the sitting president, with the first such plane being a C-54 Skymaster utilized by Franklin D. Roosevelt back in 1945. In recent years, Boeing has significantly revamped two 747 aircraft meant to replace those in use now. This ongoing project has a hefty price tag of over $5.3 billion and may not reach completion before Trump’s term concludes, which complicates his ambitions for an alternate jet.
According to a report revealed to Congress through the Freedom of Information Act, key requirements for the new Air Force One aircraft include high survivability and advanced communication capabilities. The U.S. government stipulated that new planes must have four engines—necessary for air survival in case of engine failure—a challenge since 747s are no longer commonly manufactured.
Beyond that basic requirement, Air Force One must meet stringent standards for classified communication, as well as features to thwart external surveillance. This is vital for maintaining secure command capabilities in emergencies, particularly for military operations. According to former Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James, robust defenses against missile threats and other forms of attack are critical: “The point is, it remains in flight no matter what,” she claimed.
Should the Qatari aircraft undergo a retrofit to meet such robust standards, estimates suggest it may cost $1.5 billion and take several years, according to an anonymous U.S. official. Despite this, Meink has dismissed such figures as excessive, contending that some expenses would have been incurred in building the new presidential planes anyway.
People like Rep. Joe Courtney have pointed out that modifying the Qatari jet properly might still cost around $1 billion, factoring in what is needed to enhance its defenses and communication—they are not trivial upgrades. Any alterations, such as rewiring for new systems, could require extensive renovations. Trump, having powers as commander in chief, could waive some of these requirements, potentially compromising security measures in the process.
Trump’s design preferences might also clash with security needs. He has showcased a model of a new Air Force One that embodies his aesthetic, veering away from the traditional light blue scheme to a darker one reminiscent of his personal aircraft.
During a February visit to the Qatari jet, Trump inspected it with Air Force chief Gen. David Allvin, underscoring a serious interest in converting it. As it stands, the Qatari jet needs standard maintenance expected for complex four-engine planes. Yet, some lawmakers find the notion of using this aircraft precarious. Senator Tammy Duckworth criticized the move as reckless without assurance of its ability to endure high-stakes scenarios like a nuclear incident, stressing it could waste taxpayer resources.
Boeing, meanwhile, has struggled with its own new Air Force One plans, delaying delivery due to mechanical issues, including corrosion and noise problems. They’re still working with the Air Force to hasten delivery timelines for at least one of the 747s, although real-world testing will be essential before it can be considered viable for presidential transport.
Ultimately, it remains unclear how Trump will navigate the intricacies of securing an alternative Air Force One, and how much he will prioritize security over expedience. “The normal course of business would suggest there may be delays in certifications,” James remarked.
In conclusion, converting a Qatari jet to function as an Air Force One could be a lengthy and costly endeavor, potentially fraught with security compromises. With Trump’s insistence on using the new aircraft quickly, important decisions about safety measures will need to be made. As obstacles continue for the Boeing project, the question of what compromises might be acceptable remains an open one, causing concern among lawmakers and security officials alike.
Original Source: www.thespec.com
