I have no fact-based idea why President Trump is sending the new Airforce One to the United Kingdom, while the President takes the older airplane. However, I’m pretty certain this is not about having U.S. military stationed at Mildenhall Air Force Base, get a tour of it.
During our recent group chat, we were all in agreement….
For whatever the reason this change occurred- Lets all pray that everyone who traveled with or still traveling with the PDJT arrives home safely.
PDJT has since arrived safely back home on the new plane.
No, AF1 entered US airspace just before midnight.
Both planes are at Andrews. New one departed England first then tbt older one within and hour.
Thank you.
The official flight logs from July 8–9 2026 – the flight duration from RAF
Mildenhall to Joint Base Andrews was approximately 6 hours and 58
minutes.
Departure: President Trump departed RAF Mildenhall at 6:14 p.m. local
time (1:14 p.m. ET) on July 8.
Arrival: He arrived at Joint Base Andrews at 1:12 a.m. ET on July 9.
This duration aligns with typical westbound transatlantic flight times for
presidential aircraft, which often face headwinds.
What caused the 6-hour 58-minute duration?
The 6-hour and 58-minute duration for the flight from RAF Mildenhall to
Joint Base Andrews on July 8–9, 2026, was primarily caused by strong
headwinds associated with the jet stream while flying westbound across
the Atlantic.
Headwinds: Westbound transatlantic flights frequently encounter the jet
stream, a high-altitude air current flowing from west to east. In July,
while generally weaker than in winter, the jet stream can still produce
significant headwinds that reduce an aircraft’s ground speed (speed
relative to the ground) even if its airspeed (speed relative to the air)
remains constant.
Aircraft Performance: The new VC-25B “Bridge” aircraft cruises at
approximately Mach 0.86 (roughly 580–630 mph depending on altitude and
temperature).
While faster and more efficient than the previous VC-25A, it is still
subject to atmospheric conditions. A typical westbound flight of this
distance (approx. 3,300 miles) often ranges between 6.5 to 7.5 hours
depending on wind variance.
No Operational Delays: President Trump explicitly stated that the stop at
Mildenhall required “virtually no deviation” from the planned path, and
denied any security or mechanical issues caused the timing, confirming
the duration was consistent with standard flight operations under those
specific weather conditions.
What is the typical jet stream speed in July?
In July, the typical speed of the jet stream over the North Atlantic is
significantly lower than in winter, generally averaging between 50 to 90
mph (80 to 145 km/h), with core speeds occasionally reaching higher
depending on specific weather patterns.
Seasonal Variation: The jet stream is driven by the temperature
difference between the polar and tropical air masses. Since this
contrast is weakest in summer, July jet stream speeds are at their
annual minimum. Research indicates average speeds drop to around 40
m/s (approx.
90 mph) in July, compared to winter averages that often exceed 110–120
mph (180–190 km/h) and can peak over 250 mph.
Impact on Flight: Even at these “lower” summer speeds, a westbound
headwind of 50–90 mph is substantial.
For an aircraft like the VC-25B cruising at roughly 580–630 mph, a 90 mph
headwind reduces ground speed to roughly 500 mph, adding nearly an
hour to a transatlantic crossing compared to still-air conditions.
Daily Fluctuations: While the average is lower in July, daily weather
systems can still produce localized jet streaks with winds exceeding
100–120 mph, which likely contributed to the specific 6-hour 58-minute
duration observed on July 8–9, 2026, if the flight encountered such a
streak.
Do you know if PDJT slept on the plane heading home?
Time difference – yours and mine?
Arrival: The flight landed at Joint Base Andrews in the early hours of Thursday, July 9 (local US time).
Flight Time: The transatlantic flight from the UK to Washington D.C. typically takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. Since the departure was late evening UK time, the flight occurred primarily during overnight hours.
There are probably a lot more of the older air force 1 then the most recent. Decoys. Perhaps it was a need for hiding.
I seriously doubt that. All the electronic countermeasures, decoys, and other systems are requisite now, and would not have been put off before making the new AF1 operational.
After reading Arnold’s Older Brother, I take that back. I’ve been away and didn’t realize the New AF1 was simply a bridge.
Actually, this ‘bridge” aircraft will not have many of the more advanced defensive systems that are on the current VC25A, and will also be on the new VC25Bs when they arrive.
This bridge aircraft is not intended to ever serve for high risk missions.
And how do you know this, actually?
Interesting. Anti-missile defense capabilities?
Of course. It would be imprudent not to have them.
Quite correct. Just heard request was made by Secret Service. Things are getting mighty dangerous for this president. I pray God will watch over him.
Especially when he is “protected” by
ss that almost let him be assassinated by willful ignorance of in your face repeated warnings.
Mr. Haney!!!! That was a great show.
Not to mention Hank Kimball…well actually we should mention him. Then again maybe not. Well OK, go ahead. No wait.
The bigger question here is, shouldn’t the administration have been more forward thinking that something crazy could happen while he’s Nextdoor to the slimiest section of earth?
My gut tells me the first plane was taken intentionally to then do exactly this, as if they were trying to sniff out some rats somehow.
Just a hunch…
It may depend on who else is traveling with the President. You would not want the President , VP, SecState, and others all on the same aircraft. They always have multiple planes flying for both people and logistics.
There are two identical VC-25A aircraft. Those are official USAF nomenclature for the Boeing 747-200B’s used as the old Air Force One. They are tail numbers 28000 and 29000. But they are both in the old light-blue color scheme. (The call-sign “Air Force One” refers to any aircraft the President of the US is on. If he were to fly on a Cessna, that would be designated as AF1 while he was on it.) https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104588/vc-25-air-force-one/
The new Qatari supplied aircraft, now designated the “VC-25B Bridge” is a Boeing 747-8. It’s the only aircraft in the new color scheme.
For overseas flights into high-risk situations they are sometimes rumored to fly both VC-25’s – one with POTUS onboard and the other as a decoy. But since the new dark-blue VC-25B is a one-of-a-kind, they might have chosen to use the old light-blue pair of VC-25A’s.
While the US won’t announce this publicly, this is likely due to security issues.
It is public knowledge that this “bridge” aircraft does not have many of the advanced defensive capabilities that the current VC25As have, and will also be present on the 2 new VC25Bs when they arrive.
The Airforce stated that this bridge aircraft would not be used for high risk missions.
I’d submit that leaving Turkey during a hot war with Iran would be considered high risk.
Ya Think?!?
Yes!
That makes sense since Iran decided to shit the bed during the nato trip
TWA flight 800 supposedly had wiring short circuit in the fuel tanks ( Never happened before or after) yet over 20.000 people seen objects from sea level streak to the plane.
Yet the final analysis by the Clowns In Action said what people actually saw was fuel burning from the sea level to the plane.
We still don’t know the truth or who was on that aircraft and certain people have absolutely no problem bringing a full plane down no matter who is on it.
Attempted 3x to remove PDJT and will continue at all cost including other countries.
Accidently shot down by US Navy most likely occurrence. Jack Cashill went very in depth on this. if you’re interested go to his substack and search for TWA 800 to get a start, or buy one of his books on the subject.
https://jackcashill.substack.com/
Judicial Watch has produced a documentary about TWA 800 that will be available on their YouTube website and Rumble on July 17th, the 30th anniversary of the crash.
Thanks!
Tom Fitton and his cadre are TRUE American Patriots.
One thing’s for sure: This is what DJT wants us all talking about, and where he wants all eyes looking.
Misdirection? Is this story taking another story off the airwaves? Or is there a big reveal coming that he wants everyone to see?
Only the shadow knows, but my guess is you’re correct.
I read that the old AF-1 was better equipped at detection and evasion of possible enemy missiles. One would think the USAF would be in escort too. God bless and protect Mr. Trump.
Our lion🦁 must use his Big Cat Sense (some folks refer to it as Spidey Sense) to out maneuver the evil bastards 👺who seek his termination.🌩️
God appointed DJT to lead us forward during this tumultuous time.
I am a believer.🙏
He has MAGA on his side.🇺🇲
More importantly he has God on his side.🕊️
Believe it!👍
❤️🤍💙
Yes, I do believe God put PDJT in this position here and now…but God works in mysterious ways; there is no promise that things will happen the way WE would like them to happen. But thankfully, the finale is already won, guaranteed.
ditto everything you said here, but with the added note that President Trump is in prayer and knowing every day he is out in public that he is the number 1 target. (Vale Charlie Kirk).
We are in a second term and we see the improvements (better than first term Pence) –the President has been careful to transparently (confidently) have Vance and Rubio in frequent contact with foreign leadership to ensure a smooth transfer -even if under an emergency or other horrible situation. The Oval Office back ups are a known quantity to all overseas enemies now, and in place so they cannot miscalculate and take advantage of an emergency to attack a foreign US base as an example. Vance is hardcore MAGA and so is Rubio. No way a strong response would be delayed…
God ordains everything that happens. If He did not he would not be the Sovereign GOD that He is.
If you read the history of thee revolution you know Washington’s coat often had bullet holes in it and Washington was never shot, Butler was another evidence of God’s Providence. I know I have observed God’s Providence in my own life, but not that people were attempting to kill me.
The word “sovereign” does not mean meticulous micro-management. The concept you are describing is called “theistic determinism”, which makes God out to be both the firefighter and the arsonist. Blaming God for every evil act (as entailed in “everything that happens”) is heinous blasphemy.
EXACTLY
and
Amen 🙏 ✝️
President Trump mentioned 2 or 3 times during his comments with Mark Rutte that Iran had him “on every list” It caught my attention this morning, and I wondered what plot they foiled…
“plots”
The answer, as to why Old AF1 vs the new, is in one of the Summit Videos, Sundance posted this morning.
The President actually gave a highly fatalistic assessment of his safety in the face of assassination threats from Iran (and in my opinion from inside the USA). He essentially said the bad guys are going to eventually to get him.
He has not given up and any time he moves these types of odd travel arrangements will be the norm.
threats from Iran (and in my opinion from inside the USA)
Yes, Iran would be the convenient excuse…as it would have been in a successful Butler, PA incident, but this time to get us to “finish the job” in Iran which I’ve just described the danger of doing here:
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2026/07/09/july-9th-2026-presidential-politics-trump-administration-day-536/#comment-12685553
I don’t think there will be any dancing moving company dudes this time from the country which assassinated down to the X level Iranian leaders even though our IC had warned that this would bring to bat younger, more radical leaders wanting to prove themselves while also making it impossible to know who you were dealing with or who was actually in charge during any peace dealings.
Cough, USS Liberty, cough.
Did the head of Mossad who left in June 2026 predict a regime change in Iran that was believed to be unlikely by his predecessor?
Yes. David Barnea served as Mossad director from June 2021 until early June 2026 (succeeded by Roman Gofman). He shifted Mossad’s strategy toward actively pursuing regime change in Iran—particularly in the context of potential or actual conflict—reversing the more skeptical stance of his predecessor, Yossi Cohen (director 2016–2021).
Basically fired although that isn’t the reason given. Gotta’ make it look good, ya’ know. Bibi was SHOCKED, SHOCKED I tell you that the guy was wrong! /s
What did US intel agencies claim about the possibility of regime change via military actions involving only air power?
US intelligence agencies assessed that airstrikes or air power alone were unlikely to produce regime change in Iran.
A pre-war classified assessment by the National Intelligence Council (completed in February 2026, shortly before the US-Israel strikes began) concluded that neither limited airstrikes nor a larger, prolonged military air campaign would likely result in a new government taking over. This held even if senior Iranian leadership (including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei) was killed.
Regime change IS the ONLY fix for Iran. Recall all that talk of it in the first days of the war after Donald was suckered into it.
Find the Pea-DJT in the AF1 Shell.
He should have a third AF1 fly along and let the Brits play Three-AF1 Monte.
And he should put all the press on one of the decoy planes.
Don’t need the third one, just get two of the common ones up in the air then he hops on a different aircraft that no one would expect, e.g. a B-52 or B-1. The bomber and a few fighter escorts and no one is the wiser.
The press can take a bus to the Ankara airport and a commercial flight home or to their favorite communist country.
Yeah…TSCI is going to “tour” the workspace…
I think President Trump is using the old AF1 because there are several that are identical and it would be hard to tell which one he is actually on.
The new AF1 is entirely unique and easy to track and target. Threats from Iran have become serious and Turkey is in close proximity.
Even in Turkey there are Islamists who hate Pres Trump.
Remember Turkey hosted Hamas and Hezbollah and Turkey is Muslim Brotherhood
Erdogan early on changed Turkey from the secular state left by Kemal Ataturk to an avowedly Muslim one.
It could be as simple as one of the super-duper missile defense things on board failed a test or something, and the old plane everything is still in tip top shape, so they can’t use the new one at the moment until everything is fully functional. That would be my wild speculation
In 2024 (November) drones were observed over Lakenheath, Mildenhall, Feltwell and Fairford over three days. 🤔
“………….President Trump is sending the new Airforce One to the United Kingdom, while the President takes the older airplane. “
“Hell, you can’t do that, it screws up all my arrangements.”
-Tessio, The Godfather, 1972
https://x.com/nicksortor/status/2074989721785176353
Guess this is an indicator
If the MSM starts criticizing POTUS Trump for not talking the new plane, we’ll know foul play was thwarted!
Rather like the BBC conveniently being present at the Butler rally…
I read earlier that the older AF1 has better defense mechanisms than the new one and that’s why he’s taking it
suspicious cat meter:
1 cat – highly unlikely
2 cats – downright improbable
3 cats – who you trying to kid?
4 cats – red alert!
5 cats – get under your desk…
Dear Lord, I most respectfully pray:
Please protect President Trump, keep him safe and out of harm’s way.
Please keep him strong and healthy and well.
Please keep your hand on his shoulder and guide him to triumph over his enemies one and all,
for they are the enemies of all of your freedom loving people.
And thank you, Dear Lord, for a man such as this for these times.🙏🏻
In Jesus name, AMEN and AMEN 🙏
AMEN. God’s Hand at work – God is good.
President Trump is safely back in The United States – flying after boarding the new Qatari-gifted Air Force One (VC-25B Bridge aircraft) at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
The “gift” was from UAE. It is quite possible that something was put on it/in it and was not detected until closer to its “original owner”. A Trojan Horse
Our country is full of Trojan Horses, just waiting to be activated by their handlers. I have long feared a coordinated attack at multiple college and/or professional football stadiums coast to coast, with 80,000 to 100,000 people in attendance. Or at outdoor concerts with thousands in attendance or at numerous church services on a Sunday morning, coast to coast. Don’t try to tell me it couldn’t be done. Our enemies are very determined, cunning and patient, waiting for just the right opportunity to inflict the most pain, suffering, damage and death.
The “gift” was from Qatar, not the UAE. Big difference. Qatar is a CIA stronghold.
You kill me Sundance!😄
Maybe the plane that went into the ocean on July 7 was a distraction for sabotaging the new Air force I. President Trump’s found out so they put him on an alternate plane.
One reporter asked the president to “address speculation that you’re leaving Ankara not in the new Air Force One because of security concerns involving Iran”, noting that: “You’ve spoken today twice about them possibly assassinating you and possibly being successful.”
PDJT did not address the part about the aircraft, but on the possible Iranian assassination attempts, he said: “I speak about it a lot because the life of a president is very dangerous.
The itinerary change came as Trump, when discussing Iran, told reporters on Wednesday that “they want to take out the US leader, me, I’m on every list”.
“I’m on every single one of their lists, and so far I guess I’ve been a little bit lucky, but that maybe doesn’t last very long, because that’s the way it goes,” Trump added.
The plane switch also came as Trump declared that the ceasefire with Iran was over as he arrived at the Nato summit in Turkey and, as this week, the US launched strikes on more than 80 Iranian targets, according to the US Central Command, and imposed sanctions on Iranian oil sales.
Reports :
The new interim Air Force One (the retrofitted Qatari Boeing 747-8) appears to be missing several critical missile defense systems standard on the older VC-25A aircraft:
Missing Defensive Countermeasures
DIRCM Systems: The most notable absence is the Directional Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) system.
On the older jets, these are visible as turret-like sensors under the fuselage and near the tail, designed to detect and jam the heat-seeking guidance systems of incoming shoulder-fired missiles. Experts from The War Zone and aviation analysts have confirmed there is no visible evidence of these turrets or the associated “canoe” pods on the new jet.
Missile Approach Warners: Linked to the DIRCM, the specific external sensors used to detect an incoming missile’s ultraviolet signature appear to be missing or not yet integrated.
Hardening Against EMP: Due to the rushed 10-month retrofit timeline by L3Harris Technologies, analysts suggest there was insufficient time to fully harden the airframe against the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) of a nuclear detonation, a standard feature of the Cold War-era VC-25As.
Reasons for the GapsThe U.S. Air Force acknowledged that to meet President Trump’s accelerated deadline, they prioritized “critical mission requirements” and excluded “several highly complex engineering modifications.” Integrating defensive countermeasures requires rigorous testing to ensure they do not interfere with the aircraft’s communications or navigation systems, a process that typically takes years rather than months.
Consequently, while the White House states the plane has “high-level security protocols,” it lacks the visible, active hard-kill defensive suite of its predecessor.
Latest :
President Donald Trump has arrived in the United States after boarding the new Qatari-gifted Air Force One (VC-25B Bridge aircraft) at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. He flew the older VC-25A from Turkey to Mildenhall, where he transferred to the new jet for the final leg to Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, DC.
Huh. Different level of missile defense?
Could he very well pull a Houdini?
I’m thinking Trump wanted one of his trusted lieutenants to go get right up in Starmer’s face, and
tell him he’s going to pay, personally, for all those poor little white girls he had raped by the Pakis.
I think Trump just held a presser in flight aboard the new AFI.
I hope those senators etc who have met with Zelinski are/will be little puckered on their ride home. They must know about the plane swap. Ha.
the presser on the new AF1 that they switched back in the UK. Trumps talks vaguely about the possible security issue. Nothing specific just abundance of caution. Or he is being cagey. I vote the latter
update: https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2026/07/08/1-on-the-kill-list-is-that-why-trump-ditched-the-brand-new-400m-af1-for-nato-departure-n2204142
Cat strutting. 😂😂
Loved the Stray Cats !!!
Brian Setzer is such a tremendous guitar player !
Love those suspicious (read smart) kitties!
Was the Boeing 737 a practice run?
Too funny – Group cat chat, luv it!
I don’t believe the official TWA flight 800 story. But I don’t believe it was shot down by our navy either. Everyone on board the ship would know if a missile were fired and would know shortly afterwards that TWA flight 800 was hit. Too many people would know and that would make it difficult to keep it a secret, especially this long.
I concur with your response to those two ‘theories’, but the subsequent air-safety investigation process and facilities were also tampered with, as reported in a series of AvWeek articles. Followed that one closely. One of these articles noted a substance discovered in the wreckage explosion region that closely matched tactical missile rocket fuel, IIRC. Something still stinks there; Clinton era, go figure.
My guess: “Sources” told them that the new AF-1 is still bugged or worse, despite the renovation explicitly looking for such things. Example – cut halfway through a main wing spar, putty over the cut, and paint. Or diddle with the elevator actuator control circuits somewhere in the fuselage where you’d have to pull the entire aircraft wiring to find it. Mildenhall has the 100th Maintenance Squadron. They’ll find it.
One possible theory is that DT deliberately talking about a ‘classified’ subject whilst on the new aircraft, during the America-250 celebrations, which then appeared on a DS channel they were already monitoring. Something’s up for sure and DT’s tweet is a clear statement that TT are letting the perpetrators know that they know.
Mildenhall by the way is home to 95th Recce Squadron, specialists in intercepting communications, they might want to ‘visit’ the aircraft and see if they can pick up any unauthorised signals emanating from it.
Plane was already over the Atlantic during your post time
Both of them were
hey do you guys ‘member when he told boeing to stop dicking around and finish the two other new ones?
TEN YEARS AGO???
This is a sitrep on the real battle; POTUS is obliged to create diversions and spoof attempts to do his job while the enemies of freedom collaborate without fear.
That could change any time.
The twitchers at Mildenhall will be delighted to see the new AF1, but I’m wondering if the ‘scum’ comment and this are linked. DT normally reserves such invective for those who’ve targeted him or his family directly.
Don’t we always see 2 Beast cars in all processions? Will old/new AF1s now be the decoys? Remember TWA 800.
So one of SD’s category tags for this post was SeeIAye.
I quickly skimmed the comments and did not see this idea, although I might have missed it:
Perhaps the new plane was discovered to have “bugs” in it and needed to be re-scanned for espionage devices (?).
There was a group chat?
The Cat Chat!
Have there been discussions about how it is curious that Trump apparently isn’t more interested in getting to the bottom of the truth behind the attempt on his life made in Butler, PA?
Yes, there have been notable discussions, particularly in 2025–2026, often in conservative, independent, and conspiracy-oriented circles.
These center on claims that Donald Trump personally intervened to limit or “shut down” deeper probes into the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania (where Thomas Matthew Crooks fired shots, grazed Trump’s ear, killed Corey Comperatore, and injured others). Critics and skeptics find this “curious” given Trump’s usual emphasis on transparency, “deep state” critiques, and the event’s personal stakes.
Key Points from Discussions
– Tucker Carlson’s claims: Tucker Carlson has publicly stated (e.g., on his show and in interviews) that Dan Bongino (former Secret Service agent and Trump ally) told him Trump shut down the investigation. Carlson cited this as a fact, linking it to broader skepticism about the official narrative, Crooks’ motives/background, and why more wasn’t uncovered. Bongino has pushed back, calling it a lie or exaggeration, and noted the FBI described the case as “pending/inactive” but open to new leads.
– Joe Kent’s statements: Joe Kent (former Trump administration National Counterterrorism Center director) has said he and others were blocked from full access or deeper scrutiny, including on devices, foreign links (e.g., potential Iran angles), or inconsistencies. He expressed dissatisfaction with the handling under the Trump administration, contrasting with assurances from figures like Kash Patel.
– Broader context and conspiracies:
– A bipartisan House Task Force investigated security failures (Secret Service lapses in planning/execution) and released a report in December 2024 with recommendations, but it didn’t fully resolve the shooter’s motive or all questions. The FBI led the criminal probe, treating it as potential domestic terrorism.
– Online discussions (X, podcasts, forums) highlight lingering issues: Crooks’ online footprint (or lack thereof per initial FBI statements), roof access failures despite warnings, ballistics/eyewitness discrepancies, and why Trump hasn’t aggressively pursued it post-election. Some speculate political optics (“Fight, Fight, Fight” became powerful branding), protection of institutions, or that full truth could undermine narratives.
– Fringe theories (staged event, patsy, cover-up) have circulated since day one but gained traction among some former Trump supporters as his administration progressed without major revelations.
Official vs. Skeptical Views
Officially, the FBI and task force conducted extensive work (interviews, device analysis, etc.), concluded Crooks acted alone with no clear motive or foreign ties identified publicly, and faced typical bureaucratic hurdles. Trump has referenced the event rhetorically but hasn’t made exhaustive personal investigation a priority in public statements.
Skeptics argue this is anomalous for someone who survived it—especially given his history of demanding probes into other matters. Defenders say resources were better used elsewhere (governing, other threats), prior investigations sufficed, or bureaucracy stonewalled even him.
This topic remains active in podcasts (Tucker, others), X threads, and some media, often tied to distrust in institutions. It’s a mix of legitimate unanswered security/motive questions and heightened speculation. No smoking gun of a grand conspiracy has emerged in mainstream reporting, but the “why isn’t Trump pushing harder?” angle persists as a point of curiosity/criticism.
You know, England is a strange duty station. My cousin went there and spent his entire 20 years there in the U.S. Air Force. It reminded me of Andrews AFB, Washington, D.C., if one was of a particular color, one could spend his their entire 20 years there in the USAF. I couldn’t wait to get away from there after 5 years, and volunteered for Incirlik AB, Turkey.
I Groked the question. It was a security issue. I don’t trust anything about Qatar or their activities. Remember the wall-mounted plaque given to us by the Russians that provided acoustic intelligence to them for years? Ingenious, but not lethal. Qatar, not so much. Current technology provides the means to satisfy the part of the tri-lateral, (means, motive, opportunity) that could be lethal. That plane will never be trusted.
“Remember the wall-mounted plaque given to us by the Russians that provided acoustic intelligence to them for years?”
Yes, one wonders if Maxwell Smart is still in charge of the IC team that is supposed to be protecting President Trump.
I agree that airplane should never have been accepted for security reasons. It’s baffling how naive President Trump can be sometimes, IMO.
This sounds like something libtards would be preoccupied with.
Drone capability is increasing at an exponential rate. Some of the drone attacks in the gulf on our jets and ships have reportedly surprised us, though only the military knows for sure.
Given Turkeys proximity to Iran, this could been some kind of cautionary safety measure.
Doubt that, given the US has been heavily involved in drone warfare in the Ukraine, and the Israelis with Hezbollah, where the platforms have rapidly evolved in a technological synchronicity.
Then again, militaries are notoriously hind-bound organisations, exacerbated by the still lingering residue of DEI hires still having an impact, so who knows?
As for drones, they’re effectiveness is being hyped by everybody, because their stop-gap solutions satisfy a number of differing agendas, including the West running down it’s conventional weapons production capabilities, a recruitment collapse and massive down sizing of traditional ‘heavy’ units.
Both the politicians who instigated these policies, and the military who went along with it now have the drone as their saviour, which is far too convenient and timely a solution to have occurred naturally.
Thank you CP. I’m no expert on drones but it appears they can be fast, sneaky, dangerous little bastards. Whether they can threaten an AF1 craft is above my pay grade.
Sneaky sod, tick, replacement for conventional platforms cross. They’re being sold as the latter unfortunately, because the majority of the West has de-industrialised its heavy engineering capability, and so the attractions of a 3D printed drone are too good to miss for the politico-military establishment.
We see it with the RN shelving its proposed plans to replace its surface fleet with 21st Century vessels and capabilities, in favour of re-equipping the aged fleet with a drone capability. The trouble is going to be when the counter-drone technology (accelerating rapidly because it’s conflict driven) renders these ‘sneaky bastards’ just another weapon system available to a commander. Then the over investment in a substitute system will come back to bite them, or more accurately the poor sods who’ve been deployed without the proper conventional support.
suspicious cats’ group chat…that’s awesome
The new VC-25B (Bridge) model was not built to serve as AF-1 from the ground up like the older ones were. It therefore doesn’t have all of the same capabilities, such as air to air refueling and some countermeasures. The delayed AF-1 replacement aircraft will have all of those features and more.
As an electronics technician, I know how small surveillance devices can be. Some can be the size of the head of a pin, with NO WAY to detect it in a passive receive mode. If it only absorbs sounds, electrical signals or even compressed audio that sounds like a burst of static, I would never trust the plane to not leak intel to whatever country paid for it.
Even a remote-detonate bomb would be hard to detect, activating only when a certain sequence of events took place–an event as subtle as a certain pilot’s voiceprint could be one of several triggers that must combine together in a certain way, even at a certain time, in order for it to be detectable as a bomb.
I would hope that ultra-high technology can be used to find and disable these problems–but my confidence in the competence of those in charge of POTUS’s security was badly shaken when I saw the Secret Service’s 5-foot nothing bimbo squad on Trump’s security detail pretend to protect a 6′-2″ president right after he was shot in Butler. If his avionics experts exhibit the same lack of expertise as Trump’s security detail, I’m amazed the plane made it back to the US–and I would NEVER let Trump get near it again!
Fly the press on it.
4 suspicious cats!!!!