A video shared on social media days ago revealed a particular sequence that caught the attention of experts, showing a Russian Navy Il-38N maritime patrol aircraft being “escorted” by F-35C and F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets from the United States Navy as it passed in front of the USS Carl Vinson nuclear aircraft carrier (CVN 70). This incident occurred during the carrier’s deployment in the Pacific, although the exact date was not specified, and amid the recent surveillance and patrol activities conducted by the Russian Naval Aviation of the Pacific Fleet.
In recent weeks, as it navigated towards the area under the responsibility of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), along with its escort ships and embarked air groups, has been engaged in various activities with naval forces from allied and regional partner nations. For instance, a joint exercise between March 17 and 20 involved the aircraft carrier and destroyers from the Republic of Korea Navy and Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force, conducted in the East China Sea.
After these combined operations, the U.S. nuclear-powered vessel headed to Guam for a logistical stop, confirming its arrival on March 24, according to official communications.
Therefore, the recent episode involving Russian and American aircraft likely took place in the days mentioned, as Russian news agencies reported the ongoing maritime surveillance and patrol activity by the Pacific Fleet’s aircraft.
Under these circumstances, an Il-38N aircraft (a maritime patrol version of the Ilyushin Il-38) conducted a long-range patrol flight aimed at monitoring the activity of the U.S. aircraft carrier, always operating in international airspace. What made the episode particularly notable was the Russian aircraft’s approach, which was intercepted by fighter jets deployed from the USS Carl Vinson. As seen in the viral video, a stealth F-35C and an F/A-18 Super Hornet conducted an unusual formation pass in front of the Nimitz-class carrier.
Subsequent information revealed further details about the Il-38N, identified with the yellow numeral “27” (RF-75320). It was also confirmed that this aircraft, or another deployed by Russian Naval Aviation, was intercepted during the previously mentioned exercises by a Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-15J fighter.
Lastly, with the viralization of the video, spokespeople from the Pacific Fleet indicated that the incident took place during the recent deployment of the aircraft carrier, and the interaction between the aircraft from both forces was conducted in a “safe and professional” manner.
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