Russian Plane Likely Shot Down With 'Ground-Based Missile'

The Russian Su-24 jet was most likely shot down with a ground-based missile, according to National Defense Magazine editor-in-chief, security expert Igor Korotchenko.

The Russian warplane was most likely shot down using a ground-based anti-air system, security expert and editor-in-chief of National Defence Magazine Igor Korotchenko told Sputnik.

A Russian Su-24 Fencer bomber jet was shot down over Syria on Tuesday, according to reports from the Russian Defense Ministry. The two pilots were able to eject from the plane, although their current fate is unknown.

"There is objective control data. First of all, during military operations, the route and targets are planned in such a way that the airspace of states adjacent to Syria are not violated," Korotchenko said, adding that it can be considered an established fact that Turkish airspace was not violated.

He added that the plane was likely shot down with a ground-based anti-air missile system. Korotchenko said that if the Russian defense ministry' statement that is correct, the plane was flying above the altitude accessible to portable launchers.

"Practical options for assistance if a plane has been shot down have been practiced. In this case, from a professional point of view, everything will be done as needed," he said.