Overview

• The Air Force will reallocate about $400 million from the LGM-35 Sentinel ICBM program to fund the retrofit of the Qatar-donated 747-8
• Pentagon took delivery of the donated Boeing 747-8 P4-HBJ on May 21 to use as a stopgap until Boeing’s delayed VC-25 replacements arrive
• L3Harris is set to receive a one-year contract to strip the jet for security sweeps, install top-secret communications and fit defensive countermeasures prior to presidential use
• Critics warn that extensive modifications could push the overhaul cost toward $1 billion, extend the timeline beyond a year and trigger Emoluments Clause scrutiny
• Boeing’s VC-25 special military models remain delayed to at least 2027 after supply chain setbacks and work delays