Trump unexpectedly swaps new Air Force One for older jet en route to UK base

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President Donald Trump departed Turkey aboard an older VC-25A Air Force One jet, leaving behind the newer VC-25B Bridge aircraft that had transported him to the NATO Summit the previous day.

The Bridge aircraft—a modified, Qatari-gifted Boeing 747-8i—flew ahead to RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom without the President on board. Trump confirmed he would travel from Turkey to the UK on the VC-25A "for old time's sake."

The unusual arrangement has prompted questions about whether other factors, particularly changes in operational security, may be involved.

Backup Aircraft and Recent Strikes on Iran

The VC-25A had followed the Bridge aircraft to Ankara, the Turkish capital, as a backup. The plane swap follows a new round of U.S. strikes on Iran, which Trump reportedly ordered directly from the summit.

Questions continue to be raised about the full suite of communications, defensive, and other capabilities on the Bridge aircraft.

Trump's Statement on the Aircraft Change

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote:

"To honor our brave men and women of the Military, we are sending the brand new, and truly spectacular, Air Force One [the VC-25B Bridge aircraft] to Mildenhall Air Force Base, in the United Kingdom, to give them a chance to tour the Aircraft – Everybody is so excited, and we thought that they should be the first. For old time's sake, we'll be taking the former Air Force One, from Turkey to Mildenhall, a short trip that is totally worth doing in order to give our Great Military Heroes a chance to appreciate our beautiful new addition to the Air Force Fleet!"

VC-25A Remains in Service

Despite Trump referring to the VC-25As as "former" Air Force One aircraft, the Air Force has confirmed to TWZ that they remain in service and in the rotation, even after the delivery of the Bridge jet.

Any Air Force aircraft carrying the President uses the Air Force One callsign.

RAF Mildenhall and Further Travel Plans

RAF Mildenhall is a major hub for U.S. air operations and was heavily utilized to support strikes on Iran earlier this year. Trump has hinted that the Bridge aircraft may make stops elsewhere in Europe before returning home.

Speaking at a press conference at the NATO summit, Trump said:

"It's flying to Europe to one of the big bases, two or three of the big bases, where we can show it to the people. We'll be going home by normal methods."

Press Pool Observations

Politico's Megan Messerly, a member of the press pool accompanying Trump, shared before the VC-25A left Ankara:

"We are boarding the old, big plane. No eyes on POTUS / no under wing gaggle. We have been advised to keep our window shades in the press cabin closed. See you on the other side."

First Overseas Use of the Bridge Aircraft

President Trump traveled to the NATO summit aboard the VC-25B Bridge aircraft, with one of the Air Force's two existing VC-25As as a backup. This marked the first time Trump used the Bridge jet for an overseas trip. He first flew on the aircraft last week for a visit to North Dakota for events marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. A VC-25A also served as a backup for that trip.

New Strikes on Iran

U.S. forces launched new strikes on Iran yesterday. According to The New York Times, citing an unnamed U.S. official:

"President Trump approved and ordered the Iran strikes from the NATO summit" after meeting "with senior U.S. officials in Ankara, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio."

The latest strikes were in response to a new round of Iranian attacks on commercial ships in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier today, Trump raised the prospect of further action against Iran tonight, prompting new concerns about the possible resumption of a large-scale conflict between the two countries.

Communications and Security Considerations

A key requirement for aircraft serving in the Air Force One role is ensuring the President remains securely in contact with top U.S. military leaders and other senior officials to respond immediately to any serious contingency. This is particularly important given the fluid situation in the Middle East and the prospect of further military action against Iran in the very near term. Key planning efforts and other meetings are likely underway.

Image: The VC-25B Bridge aircraft arriving at RAF Mildenhall today. (Andrew McKelvey)