Story By: Gheorghi Caraseni, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
Newsflash/Fighterbomber
This is the moment a pair of US fighter jets fly alongside a Russian warplane flying close to an American aircraft carrier.
The incident occurred when a Russian Pacific Fleet anti-submarine aircraft IL-38 flew within 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) of the George Washington aircraft carrier reportedly undetected.
After the Russian aircraft was detected three US jets, two supersonic F/A-18 Hornet fighters and an F-15 tactical fighter, were scrambled to escort it to a safe distance.
Newsflash/Fighterbomber
In the video, one of the American jets can be seen flying alongside the Russian aircraft before they pass the George Washington aircraft carrier at a close distance.
The jet appears to be heavily armed while the clip shows another of the American aircraft at the end flying on the other side of the Russian aircraft.
According to reports, the Russian anti-submarine aircraft was escorted to a safe distance after which the American fighters returned back to the George Washington aircraft carrier.
The unnamed Russian pilot said: “I emphasise that the Americans behaved with dignity, did not climb under the propellers and didn’t make any indecent gestures.”
The Ilyushin Il-38 “Dolphin” (NATO reporting name: May) is a maritime patrol aircraft and anti-submarine warfare aircraft designed in the Soviet Union.
The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, supersonic combat jet, designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft.
The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, tactical fighter aircraft which entered service in 1976.
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