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
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.
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FAQ
The estimated cost to modify the Qatari luxury jet into Air Force One is less than $400 million.
The main concerns include legal and ethical issues, with some lawmakers warning of potential fines if the plane is not returned.
The modifications include hardening the plane's defenses, installing countermeasures, and adding encrypted communications to fulfill the Air Force One mission.
The plane is planned to be donated to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation after Trump leaves office.
History
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