Archive · 6 Jun 2025
Retrofitting Qatari Jet for Trump's Air Force One Could Cost Millions
Imagine the President needs a super-fancy airplane!
Instead of buying a brand new one, the US military is taking a jet from Qatar, a country far away.
This plane is a big, luxurious Boeing 747.
But it's not ready to be Air Force One yet.
It needs upgrades to keep it safe and secret.
The Air Force says it will cost about $400 million to make it secure.
Democrats worry that it might be way more expensive than what has been announced.
The plane will need strong security systems to prevent any eavesdropping.
The original delivery of the jet is scheduled for 2027.
The Air Force plans to retrofit a Qatari Boeing 747 jet to serve as Air Force One.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink estimates the retrofit cost to be less than $400 million.
Democratic lawmakers suggest the cost could exceed $1 billion.
The upgrades will include security and communication systems.
The original delivery of the new Air Force One was set for 2027.
- Who
- The US Air Force, Donald Trump, and the Qatari government are involved.
- What
- The Air Force is retrofitting a Qatari Boeing 747 jet to serve as Air Force One.
- When
- As of June 5, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink gave an update to the lawmakers.
- Where
- No specific location was provided in the article.
- Why
- To transport the US President.
Democrats
Air Force
Cost Estimates
Democrats
Democratic lawmakers believe the costs could exceed $1 billion.
Air Force
The Air Force thinks the cost will be about $400 million.
- Plane Type
- Boeing 747
- Source
- Gift from Qatar
- Estimated Cost
- Less than $400 million (Air Force) or potentially over $1 billion (Democrats)
- Upgrade Need
- Security, Communication, and Missile Defense
- Original Delivery Date
- 2027