Why?
Well, it has three options. The first option is to do nothing, with the reason for this being that, while Russia is not weak, it is not as strong as it wants others to believe it is. Action would mean the inception of a convoluted decision tree of reactions and consequences, with some paths leading to WW3, others leading to a scruff-up with Turkey, and a few even leading to Turkey doing nothing. However, as Russia cannot influence that decision tree, it will do nothing as it is not as strong as would be necessary for it to do as it likes (unlike the US, which - leadership dependent obviously - can genuinely do as it wants/likes without fear of immediate consequences).
The second option Russia can do is what I call 'posturing.' By this, what it would do is to (a) escort every attack plane with a couple of air-to-air fighters (and this would mean Russia bringing several SU-27/30s into the region), or (b) moving up a couple of S-300 platforms nearer to the area so that their long range radars can light up Turkish fighters (and the S-300 can target the Turkish airforce while they are WITHIN Turkey), or (c) both. You'll see the Russians constantly lighting up Turkish fighters with radar, but no missiles fired.
The third option is for Putin to basically unleash ROEs and let Russian fighters/SAMs take out any Turkish fighter that comes close, damn the consequences.
I suspect it will be option 1.
I suspect it’s going to be Option 1. Putin’s latest statement is conspicuously missing any denial that the Russian aircraft HAD violated Turkey’s airspace ... which tells me he knows damn well that someone botched this on the Russian side.
I disagree. Russia MUST not do Option 1. Doing nothing puts him in the half breed’s class and the inevitable comparisons that would arise.
Option 2 with a “Oops” is probably the best option. Light up the Turkish fighters and have an equipment malfunction down one of the Turkish fighters. Follow up with an apology and an offer to replace the jet - with a Russian plane, of course.
Does Russia have an AWACS like presence in Syria?
Actually, there is a 4th option....turn the KGB loose and let them publicize all the dirty laundry of Erdogan. Secret bank accounts, back-door deals, etc. The KGB could bring down the government in a matter of six weeks if they published everything.
No war just people dropping dead that lead the country.....even more effective and what can Turkey do?