Overview
- The Air Force said the VC‑25 “bridge aircraft” is on track for delivery no later than this summer after modification work that began in September 2025.
- Extensive upgrades are underway but largely classified, and officials have not said whether the jet will include features such as in‑flight refueling or assured nuclear command‑and‑control.
- The service has not identified the contractor; media reports point to L3Harris, which has declined to confirm, and the Qatari donation has prompted ethical and oversight questions.
- Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told Congress the retrofit would cost less than $400 million using reallocated Sentinel ICBM funds, a projection some lawmakers criticized as optimistic.
- Interest in a near‑term solution rose after a VC‑25A carrying President Trump returned to Joint Base Andrews for a minor electrical issue, while Boeing’s VC‑25B replacements are now expected around mid‑2028.