Washington: The US and Qatar are close to finalizing a significant agreement involving the transfer of a Boeing 747-8 aircraft to the Pentagon, destined for future use as Air Force One. This development follows communication reviewed by The Washington Post that indicates the deal is just days away from completion.
According to Anadolu Agency, a memorandum of understanding dated July 7 and signed by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Qatari Defense Minister Soud bin Abulrahaman Al-Thani, characterizes the aircraft transfer as an unconditional 'donation' to the US Department of Defense. The agreement is pending final approval after certain updates were requested.
Upon completion, the US Air Force plans to renovate the aircraft, a process anticipated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars and take several years. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink informed lawmakers that the renovations would cost less than $400 million and take under a year, though these claims have been contested by some Democratic members.
The announcement of the deal by the Trump administration in the spring spurred controversy, with critics questioning the legality and practicality of the donation. Concerns were further fueled by reports suggesting the plane might eventually be transferred to Trump's presidential library.
During a Senate hearing, Hegseth declined to disclose the renovation costs, citing national security concerns, which drew sharp criticism from Democratic Sen. Jack Reed. Reed questioned the lack of transparency regarding funding and budgeting.
Reports indicate that the Pentagon plans to finance the aircraft's refurbishment by reallocating funds from the delayed Sentinel missile program, with additional budgetary measures included in a recently passed $150 billion defense package.
The final agreement underscores adherence to US and Qatari laws and does not restrict future use of the aircraft, except that it must comply with American legal standards. Earlier provisions specifying US Air Force custody were omitted during negotiations after objections arose in Washington.
Negotiations for the aircraft commenced in December, amid frustration from Trump over delays in Boeing's $3.9 billion Air Force One replacement project. Qatar subsequently offered the jet as a gift. Although the Pentagon asserted in May that the deal was complete, internal legal reviews have prolonged the process.