The newest Air Force One is airborne. It lacks critical defensive countermeasures present in its predecessor.
Officials confirmed to the New York Times that the VC-25B, costing over $5.3 billion, was delivered without planned upgrades. Missing systems include Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM), advanced radar jamming, and flare dispensers. The previous model, the VC-25A, had all three.
This is a security gap.
| Defensive System | VC-25A (Previous) | VC-25B (New) |
|---|---|---|
| DIRCM (Missile jamming) | Installed | Omitted |
| Flare/Chaff Dispensers | Installed | Omitted |
| Advanced Radar Warning Receiver | Installed | Not integrated |
| Electronic Attack Suite | Operational | Reduced capability |
Budget overruns drove the cuts. The program originally estimated at $3.9 billion ballooned to over $5.3 billion. The White House Military Office trimmed “non-essential” features. Boeing’s contract delays and supply chain disruptions left no time for retrofits.
Former Pentagon officials told CNN the gap creates a “window of vulnerability” for presidential travel. Pilots now rely on escort F-16s and ground-based defenses. This reduces operational flexibility. A single MANPADS or advanced surface-to-air missile could exploit the weakness, especially during overseas visits or low-altitude flight segments.
The White House declined to comment on whether the president will fly on the new jet without full defenses.
A related incident confirms the double standard. Forbes reported that the White House grounded a private Qatari jet used by former President Trump over security flaws in its countermeasures and communication systems. The Qatari jet lacked comparable defensive suites. The administration enforced standards for that aircraft. It did not enforce the same rigor for the presidential fleet.
Critics argue this selective application undermines trust.
Experts call the omission “unconscionable.” Emergency retrofits are needed now: DIRCM installation, advanced radar warning receivers, and cyber-hardened avionics. Congressional hearings have been proposed to reallocate funds. An independent audit of the Air Force One program is also demanded.
Long-term reforms must prevent cost-driven compromises on presidential security. Threat reassessments every two years should be mandated.
The missing defenses on the new Air Force One represent a systemic failure. The Qatari jet grounding proves security gaps are acknowledged. They are not being fixed.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What defensive systems are missing from the new Air Force One jets?
- A: The VC-25B lacks Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM), flare dispensers, advanced radar warning receivers, and a full electronic attack suite—all present in the older VC-25A.
- Q: Why were these defensive systems omitted?
- A: Budget overruns drove the cuts. The program cost ballooned from $3.9 billion to over $5.3 billion, and the White House Military Office trimmed non-essential features. Boeing delays and supply chain issues prevented retrofits.
- Q: What security risks does this create for presidential travel?
- A: The missing defenses create a window of vulnerability, especially against MANPADS and advanced surface-to-air missiles. Escort F-16s and ground defenses are now needed, reducing operational flexibility.
Extended Reading
Source: New York Times (July 9, 2026) — “New Air Force One Lacks Defensive Countermeasures of Previous Model, Officials Say”
Source: CNN (July 10, 2026) — “Air Force One threats”
Source: Forbes (July 10, 2026) — “White House Grounded Trump’s Qatari Jet Over Security Concerns, More Reports Confirm”