AN ASSESSMENT OF THE RUSSIAN JET DOWNED BY TURKEY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF INTERNATIONAL LAW

Abstract

Good relations between Russia and Turkey became strained when Russia's SU-24-M fighter jet was shot down by Turkey on 24 November 2015 in Syria. It was the first time a NATO country had shot down a Russian jet in over 63 years. Although a year after this incident, the relations were restored by the leaders of the two states, Erdogan and Putin, it is still important to investigate the jet incident more deeply and within the framework of international law in order to prevent future violations of this nature. As a matter of fact, Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 reveals the necessity of this investigation. The aim of this study is to examine the downing of the Russian jet by Turkey within the realm of compliance with international law. In this regard, first of all, information will be provided about the status of the airspace. Then, compatibility of Turkey's downing of the Russian jet with international law is discussed.