"By using the Russian plane as cover the zionist air pilots made it vulnerable to Syrian air defense fire. As a result, the Ilyushin-20, its reflective surface is far greater than that of the F-16, was downed by a missile launched with the S-200 system," Konashenkov said.

Russian Defense Ministry said the Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft, with 15 Russian service personnel on board, was brought down by anti-aircraft batteries of Moscow's ally, Syria, in a friendly fire incident.

"We view the actions of the Israeli military as hostile," Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov told Russian state television. "As a result of the irresponsible actions of the Israeli military, 15 Russian service personnel perished."

"The Israeli pilots could not have failed to see the Russian aircraft, as it was coming in to land from a height of 5km. Nevertheless, they deliberately carried out this provocation," Konashenkov said.

At the time of the incident, zionist fighter jets were mounting air attacks on Syria targets and had only given Moscow one minute's warning, putting the Russian aircraft in danger of being caught in the cross-fire, the ministry said. (ILKHA)