Senators press Air Force on Qatari jet retrofit for interim Air Force One and cost questions
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Summary
Senators asked Department of the Air Force witnesses detailed questions about a proposed retrofit of a used Qatari jet to serve as an interim presidential aircraft, including contract status, retrofit cost estimates and funding sources.
Senators repeatedly pressed Secretary Mink and other department witnesses about a plan to retrofit a used Qatari aircraft as an interim presidential transport. Senator Murphy described public reporting and committee concerns that the aircraft retrofit could cost several hundred million dollars and sought clarification on contract status, cost estimates and whether the retrofit would divert funding from other priority programs.
Secretary Mink said the Air Force has discussed retrofit work with a contractor and is positioned to begin modifications once the department takes possession of the aircraft; he declined to provide classified acquisition details on the public record. Mink also said “we are positioned to deliver the aircraft a year after we take possession” and that specific pricing detail would be provided in a classified setting.
Senators asked where retrofit funds would come from; Mink said funds were reallocated from Sentinel program amounts that were “excess to need” in FY24 and that the Sentinel program remained fully funded. Senators characterized the matter as politically sensitive and asked for clear budgetary accounting and for more detail on contract terms and end‑state ownership of the aircraft.
Nut graf: The subcommittee pressed the Air Force for transparent, auditable details about the interim presidential aircraft retrofit: contract signing status, likely retrofit cost range and the budget account used to fund modifications. The department said contract execution and detailed cost figures are classified or not yet finalized but asserted the Sentinel program will not be delayed by the reallocation cited.
Discussion vs. decisions: On the record the hearing produced discussion and requests for follow‑up; Secretary Mink agreed to provide additional classified details. No procurement awards or contract approvals were recorded on the public record.
Ending: Senators said they will review budget back‑up details and may follow up with requests for more documentation; the Air Force committed to provide classified material and follow‑up information for the record.