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.
Bu hikaye The Herald dergisinin September 15, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Herald dergisinin September 15, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Hallett updates Argyle fans on transfers and new investors for the Pilgrims
PLYMOUTH Argyle owner and chairman Simon Hallett has issued a lengthy statement addresses the which Championship club's search for a head coach as well as a potential new investor.
McPhee seeking reinforcements at Bolitho Park
PLYMOUTH Parkway manager, Chris McPhee, emphasised the importance of adding to his squad in January after losing key players ahead of their clash with Swindon Supermarine tomorrow.
Singer-songwriter Sarah's going back on the road again
Having taken some time off from the road after her marathon three-month autumn UK and USA tour, singer-songwriter Sarah McQuaid is kicking off 2025 with a short run of UK shows - starting in her adopted home town of Penzance, Cornwall - before heading across the channel for a five-week February-March tour in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
Brits in running for SAG Awards
BRITISH stars Ralph Fiennes, Daniel Craig, Cynthia Erivo, and Jonathan Bailey have landed nominations in major acting categories for the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
This movie is absolutely a love story...
BABYGIRL STARS NICOLE KIDMAN, HARRIS DICKINSON AND FILM-MAKER HALINA REIJN, TALK TO YOLANTHE FAWEHINMI ABOUT THEIR NEW BIG-SCREEN EROTIC THRILLER
IS bride Begum 'not coming back to UK'
FOREIGN Secretary David Lammy has insisted Shamima Begum will not be returning to the UK.
Reeves challenged over 'flatlining' UK economy
RACHEL Reeves was accused of having \"fled to China\" rather than explain how she will help the UK's \"flatlining\" economy, after borrowing costs hit a 27-year high.
Warnings as cold snap continues
FRESH weather warnings have been issued as the UK continues to be hit by icy weather.
New fire threatens LA
FIREFIGHTERS in California were yesterday continuing to try to control a series of major fires in the Los Angeles area that have killed five people, ravaged communities from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena, and sent thousands of people frantically fleeing their homes.
Foster care couple are honoured
AWARDED BRITISH EMPIRE MEDALS BY KING CHARLES
