Russia blamed a “technical malfunction” for causing the incident over the Black Sea on September 29 last year.
But intercepted communications suggest the pilot fired after receiving an ambiguous command from a Russian ground station.
The RAF plane had been flying a surveillance mission in international airspace when it encountered two Russian SU-27 fighter jets.
A Western defence source told the BBC the words the two pilots received were to the effect of “you have the target”.
One interpreted this as permission to shoot but the other did not, swearing at his wingman when he fired the first missile, according to the report.
This story is from the September 15, 2023 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 15, 2023 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ford doubt for England's autumn Tests
RUGBY UNION England fly-half George Ford suffered a torn thigh muscle during Sale's 45-26 Gallagher Premiership defeat to Saracens.
Argyle acquit themselves well but pay the penalty in narrow loss to Burnley
WAYNE Rooney described as 'a little bit harsh' the penalty from which Burnley scored the goal to beat his Plymouth Argyle side 1-0 at Turf Moor.
Victorious Kellond keen to pursue Boxing career
PLYMOUTH teenager Mackenzie Kellond took the Western Counties Boxing Championship last weekend after he gave his opponent a standing eight count with just seconds to spare in Cheltenham.
Jones facing a pitch battle at World Cup
AMY Jones admits the conditions at the Women's T20 World Cup will challenge her as a wicketkeeper.
Sir Keir 'wants to make Brexit work'
SIR Keir Starmer promised a \"pragmatic, sensible\" approach to the UK-EU relationship in order to \"make Brexit work\", as he held talks in Brussels yesterday.
Taxi driver in fear after attack
PASSENGERS ALLEDGEDLY ASSAULTED DRIVER AND STOLE CASH
Crane needed as lorry gets stuck in lane
LORRY WAS THERE FOR THREE DAYS
Car park spots blocked over erosion worry
A POPULAR beauty spot near Plymouth has lost a number of parking spaces after concerns were raised about erosion.
Plastic fantastic in school contest
CONTEST COULD NET SCHOOL A BRAND NEW PLAYGROUND
AI cameras set to detect A386 traffic offences
SEATBELT AND MOBILE PHONE USERS BEWARE