The pilot of the Turkish F-16 fighter jet that shot down a Russian Su-24 bomber over Syria in November last year made the decision on his own, the deputy chair of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) told Sputnik on Thursday, July 21.

Speaking about the downing of the jet, Yasin Aktay said: "The decision to destroy the plane was taken in the air. Such decisions are made by a pilot who abides by the rules of engagement, though still has the choice to avoid downing a plane that has violated the airspace for a short span and is already leaving."

"The downing of a Russian plane that was clearly abandoning the Turkish airspace raises questions," Aktay added.

Turkish authorities have announced that two F-16 pilots who downed a Russian combat jet have been detained "over possible links to the July 15 failed coup in the country."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that the pilots might have ties to underground opposition organization led by self-exiled Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who has denied accusations.