US President Donald Trump had attended the NATO summit on a new Boeing 747-8 aircraft received from Qatar, but did not return. Instead, he chose the almost 3 decade old Air Force One plane to return to America. Donald Trump made this change at a time when the series of air strikes between America and Iran started. In such a situation, this sudden change has raised serious questions regarding the security arrangements of the American President and his new aircraft.
Actually, US President Donald Trump reached UK’s RAF Mildenhall while returning from the NATO Summit in Ankara. During this time, he also stayed here for some time. Then came back to America in the old Air Force One. According to the report of ‘The New York Times’, after the resumption of fighting between America and the US, on the advice of the US Secret Service, Trump used the old presidential aircraft instead of the new Boeing 747-8 aircraft received from Qatar.
Steps taken as a precautionary measure, not in response to threat – report
It is also mentioned in the report that President Donald Trump has taken this step not in response to any threat, but as a precautionary measure. However, according to sources, officials have admitted that the new aircraft does not yet have all the safety features that are in the existing Air Force One fleet. But the White House rejected the suggestion that the new plane was unsafe.
Communications Director Steven Cheung says that high level security protocols are in place for President Donald Trump. The American administration has many methods for their protection. This also includes tactics like diverting attention and leading in the wrong direction. There is also news that the transponder of the old Air Force One in which Trump returned was switched off for some time in the initial part of its flight. Transponder is the system which provides live location information of the aircraft. Every country takes such steps for security in sensitive or war-like situations.
Trump rejected the idea of changing planes due to security concerns
While talking to the media, Trump also denied that he changed the plane due to security concerns. He said, ‘I am in danger all the time. I am number one in their list. He wants to return home in the old Air Force One ‘to reminisce about the old days’. He also told that the new aircraft will go to Britain’s RAF Mildenhall airbase, where the deployed American soldiers will be able to see it better. After reaching America, he also shared pictures of service members gathered around the jet on his social media.
Tension between Iran and America again at dangerous level
At present, the tension between America and Iran has once again reached a dangerous level. On July 7, Iran attacked 3 ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, America launched swift attacks on it. Iran attacked US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. However, Kuwait’s military said it intercepted the incoming missiles and drones. Iran has warned America that it will have to pay a heavy price for further attacks if it violates the agreement.
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