The U.S. Air Force has kicked off modifications on a $400 million jet gifted by Qatar, which might play a role in transporting the President, as shared by Air and Space Forces Magazine.
This high-cost donation appears timely, as it came just months ago, coinciding with renewed tensions in the Middle East following Israeli actions targeting Hamas leaders. This situation has put the spotlight back on how Washington engages with Gulf states, especially Qatar, where the U.S. has a sizable military base.
Newsweek has sought a statement from the Qatari Embassy in Washington regarding this situation.
Why This Matters
Back in May, right after Trump’s visit to Qatar on his initial foreign trip post-re-election—which also included stops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE—the U.S. officially accepted a luxury Boeing 747 from the Gulf nation. This jet could potentially become the next Air Force One, particularly while delayed planes from Boeing are being completed. The decision has sparked discussions around issues like ethics, financial impacts, and security protocols.
Key Details
It remains uncertain just how the Pentagon plans to modify the 13-year-old Qatari jet for use, as reports indicate that no specifics on this initiative have been made available yet. An Air Force spokesperson remarked that the aircraft is intended for “executive airlift” purposes, a term that doesn’t necessarily align with traditional presidential transport specifications, which could mean reduced security measures and fewer advanced systems.
Trump has been quite vocal about viewing the jet’s acceptance as a norm in relations between allied nations, amidst contractors’ delays with Boeing’s project to maintain Air Force One. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani expressed views on this diplomatic tool in May.
As discussions around this gifted jet unfold, U.S. officials continue to consider broader geopolitical uses with Qatar. Notably, the U.S. Al Udeid base has experienced retaliation from Iranian missiles earlier this year amidst rising hostilities from Israel targeting Hamas, an endeavor Trump disturbed yet still supports.
Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with key Qatari leaders in Doha, stressing that keeping the Gulf nation involved in negotiations for freeing Israeli hostages and striving for the demilitarization of Hamas was pivotal.
Public Opinions
On a related note, a spokesperson from the U.S. Air Force told Air and Space Forces Magazine: “Per instructions from the Secretary of War, modifications for Executive Airlift on a Boeing 747 operational for classified operational needs are underway.”
Secretary of State Rubio also weighed in on the Gaza conflict: “We all would hope for a diplomatic resolution that ensures the liberation of hostages, and addresses the threat Hamas poses—Qatar’s involvement is crucial in this push.”
Next Steps
When Trump’s tenure wraps up, reports indicate that the jet could end up being assigned to his presidential library foundation, although it’s ambiguous if he would be able to use it privately afterward.
