From ‘the Beast’ to hazmat experts: Inside million-dollar security effort to safeguard Trump during UK visit
Donald Trump arrives in the UK for his second state visit, with heavy security measures already in place following the Charlie Kirk killing.
President Donald Trump has arrived in the United Kingdom for his state visit, where he will be met with full royal honors at Windsor Castle. His arrival comes with one of the largest security operations mounted for a visiting US president. The state visit comes just days after the assassination of Trump ally Charlie Kirk at a TPUSA event in Utah, which has heightened concerns for the president’s safety.
Security costs and manpower
The scale of the security effort is similar to Trump’s first state visit in June 2019, when more than 6,000 Metropolitan Police officers were deployed at a cost of £3.4 million, according to the BBC. Thousands of officers have again been mobilized alongside around 60 US Secret Service agents, directly protecting the president.
Law enforcement has built what officials describe as a “ring of steel” around Windsor, with road closures, barriers, detection dogs, mounted patrols, and strict airspace restrictions. Drones will also be deployed to monitor the skies, while the National Police Air Service supports enforcement.
Air Force One and Marine One
Trump and First Lady Melania touched down Tuesday night on the customized Boeing 747-200B, known as Air Force One, which carries advanced defense systems.
Air Force One is not a single plane but one of two specially adapted Boeing 747-200Bs. The aircraft is equipped with radar-jamming, missile defense, midair refueling capability, and carries 4,000 square feet of space across three levels, including medical facilities and secure communications.
On the ground, Trump rides in a Cadillac One, the armored limousine called “the Beast.” Two identical versions, along with support vehicles, were flown in advance by US Air Force cargo planes.
For short transfers, Trump also uses Marine One, the Sikorsky VH-3D Sea King helicopter, which is accompanied by decoy aircraft and Osprey MV-22s carrying staff and Secret Service teams. These helicopters are equipped with missile defense and electronics hardened against nuclear blast.
Also read: Donald Trump in UK for second state visit amid protests, to meet King Charles III: What's on agenda?
Royal welcome and agenda
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will host Trump at Windsor Castle, as Buckingham Palace remains under renovation. He will take part in a carriage procession, attend a state banquet, and pay respects at Queen Elizabeth II's tomb.
President Trump is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers to discuss the war in Ukraine, the Gaza humanitarian crisis, and free speech issues. Protests are planned across London, including a rally organized by the Stop Trump Coalition, according to the Metropolitan Police UK.
Rising concerns
Security experts have warned of potential threats ranging from drone attacks to street demonstrations. Nick Aldworth, former UK counter-terrorism coordinator, told The Telegraph the American style of security “swamps whichever venue they’re going to,” in contrast to the UK’s quieter approach. As Trump continues his UK schedule, police and security agencies remain on high alert.
FAQs
When did Donald Trump arrive in the UK?
Trump arrived Tuesday night aboard Air Force One for his second UK state visit.
What security measures are in place?
A “ring of steel” in Windsor, police, Secret Service, drones, Marine One, and the armored limousine known as “the Beast.”
Who is hosting Trump during the visit?
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are hosting Trump and Melania at Windsor Castle.
What events are planned for the visit?
A state banquet, a carriage procession, and talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers.
Why is security so intense this time?
Concerns are heightened following the killing of Trump’s ally, Charlie Kirk, and potential protests across the UK.
