Canceling presidential jet would be problematic.

Canceling the program to build a new presidential aircraft, as President Donald Trump has suggested, would bring extra costs to the Pentagon and could potentially leave future commanders-in-chief without needed capabilities, said a leading aerospace analyst.

In December, Trump tweeted: "Boeing is building a brand new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than $4 billion. Cancel order!"

Richard Aboulafia, vice president of analysis at the Teal Group, said the businessman doesn't have his facts straight.

"There were so many wrong ideas in the space of 140 characters," he said.

"No, it's not a $4 billion program. No, costs aren't rising. The thing is just beginning."

The program is currently expected to have a price tag of about $3 billion and Boeing is under contract for just a fraction of that, he noted. "Will it cost more? Maybe, but it's too soon to know."

In the wake of Trump's tweet, Boeing issued the following statement: "We are currently under contract for $170 million to help determine the capabilities of these complex military aircraft that serve the unique requirements of the president of the United States. We look forward to working with the U.S. Air Force on subsequent phases of the program allowing us to deliver the best planes for the president at the best value for the American taxpayer."

Spending billions of dollars for two aircraft--the main Air Force One and a spare--to ferry the commander-in-chief around the world might sound excessive to those...

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