From what I am hearing this was almost a ‘regularly scheduled’ incursion where the Russians routinely flew across this small part of Turkish airspace despite repeated warnings from Turkey not to do this. It was then no big deal to have Turkish forces ready and waiting for another incursion to teach Ivan a lesson.
Key West, Florida is about the same size as this little bit of Turkey (maybe even smaller) and if the Russians repeatedly flew armed fighters over it don’t you think even Obama would eventually get around to shooting one down?
Cuban Migs often flew over Key West, every few months.
I was in air defense in Key West when a missile battery lit up a Mig flying over it.
The commander was removed.
Of course it’s a little more tense in Syria now, but shooting down encroaching jets is a very hostile act.
Nothing to do with it. Turkey flies all over Syrian and Greek airspace whenever they please.
This has to do with the bombing oil tankers, and Erdogan’s hooligans losing a lot of money.