Tri-Service

Russia Summons UK Over Missile Claims

Britain’s defence attache in Moscow has been summoned by the Russian government after reports claimed that RAF pilots have been authorised to shoot down the country's planes in the Middle East.

It's been reported that RAF Tornado fighters homing in on Islamic State (IS) targets in Iraq have been equipped with missiles designed for aerial combat - reports strongly denied by the Ministry of Defence.

A trusted Forces TV source, meanwhile, also rubbished the claims.

Britain has, however, reiterated its concerns that Moscow’s actions are making things more dangerous in Syria. A UK Foreign Office spokesman said:

"The Russian government sought clarification over inaccurate newspaper reports concerning RAF rules of engagement in Iraq. The defence attache reiterated the British government's concerns about Russia's military operation in Syria, including targeting legitimate opposition groups, using unguided weaponry and leading to large numbers of civilian deaths."

In recent days Russian jets have carried out strikes against targets in Syria. The Kremlin has insisted the action is designed to degrade IS, but the West has claimed other groups opposed to Syrian president Bashar Assad are also being hit.

It comes after President Vladimir Putin defended Moscow's intervention in the conflict, as Syrian troops backed by Russian airstrikes advance against insurgents in the centre of the country.

Mr Putin said Moscow's objective was to stabilise the Syrian government and create conditions for a political compromise. In an interview with Russian state television, he said:

"When a division of international terrorists stands near the capital, then there is probably little desire for the Syrian government to negotiate, most likely feeling itself under siege in its own capital."

More from Forces TV: The Lethal Russian Air Power Deployed In Syria

Cover photo courtesy of Pavel Kazachkov via Wikimedia Commons.