Epoch Times logo
Salon logo
CNN logo
5 articles
·11d

Cost of Retrofitting Qatari Jet for Air Force One Estimated Under $400 Million

Air Force Secretary estimates retrofitting a Qatari luxury jet for Air Force One will cost less than $400 million, amid bipartisan concerns over the gift.


Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink informed lawmakers that retrofitting a Qatari luxury jet for Air Force One will likely cost under $400 million, countering earlier estimates of over $1 billion. The acceptance of the jet as a gift from Qatar has raised legal and ethical concerns among lawmakers, with Rep. Jamie Raskin warning Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of potential fines if the plane is not returned. The Pentagon is preparing to modify the aircraft to meet security requirements, but the process is complex and costly, drawing criticism from both parties.

Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.

Pano Newsletter

Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.

Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

The articles discuss the potential retrofitting of a Qatari jet for Air Force One, highlighting cost concerns and complexities.

There is skepticism about the budget implications, but the Air Force Secretary expresses cautious optimism about costs.

The second article criticizes Defense Secretary Hegseth for accepting a luxury jet, raising ethical and legal accountability issues.

Articles (5)

Compare how different news outlets are covering this story.

LeftCenterRight
Salon
CNN
Newsmax
Newsmax
Epoch Times
Air Force: Cost to Transform Qatari Jet Under $400M
NewsmaxNewsmax·11d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The Pentagon in late May accepted the jetliner as a gift from the government of Qatar."

Air Force Sec: Cost to Transform Qatari Jet Under $400M
NewsmaxNewsmax·11d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…It's probably less than $400 million to retrofit that aircraft."

Official Says It Will Cost Under $400 Million to Turn Plane From Qatar Into Air Force One
Epoch TimesEpoch Times·11d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…An Air Force official said June 5 that it will likely cost under $400 million to transform a plane gifted to the United States by Qatar into the new Air Force One."

FAQ

A list of follow-up questions readers often ask about this story.