The Pentagon estimates it could cost “probably hundreds of millions of dollars” to modify the Qatar jet into Air Force One, according to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, who spoke to lawmakers.
Meink mentioned that the modifications to the Boeing 747 are expected to be under $400 million, marking the first estimate from the Trump administration since the US military accepted the jet last month.
When questioned by Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), Meink refrained from disclosing specific details regarding the necessary modifications, citing confidentiality. He did, however, indicate that the conversion could potentially exceed $1 billion.
“We believe that actual modifications will probably be less than $400 million,” Meink informed the House Armed Services Committee, noting that the Air Force has already explained the spare parts needed.
Conversely, Courtney referred to a previous cost of building two Air Force aircraft as part of a $3.9 billion deal in 2018, asserting that the total cost for this new addition would likely surpass $1 billion.
“We can’t just modify an airplane designed for a different use into Air Force One, nor can we expect it to be a free plane,” he remarked. “Encrypted communications technology needs to be installed, defenses must be strengthened, and various other measures need to be put in place.”
He emphasized, “It’s clearly going to be a leak in the Air Force budgets.”
The Pentagon officially accepted the 13-year-old luxury jet, which was formerly utilized by the Qatar royal family, on May 21. This gift stirred some controversy following President Trump’s Middle East visit earlier that month, during which he set aside ethical and security concerns, describing the gesture as “freedom.”
Trump suggested that the aircraft could serve as a replacement for the aging Air Force fleet, especially as there have been ongoing delays in the renovation of two 747s acquired during his first term with Boeing.
Meink acknowledged that there are significant delays in one Air Force program but assured that authorities are collaborating with Boeing to expedite the process.
“We’re doing everything we can,” he told Courtney regarding the urgency of accelerating the delivery timeline.
Additionally, he recognized that a thorough inspection of the Qatari aircraft would be necessary to ensure that the aircraft pose no security risks.
