[Candor7]

The UK does not have aircraft advanced enough to shoot down Russia’s top of the line fighter aircraft. The worst mistake Britain could make is to fire on a Russian aircraft with the inetent to destroy it.

The Tornado is simply no match for the Sukoi T-50:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/russia-unveils-most-advanced-fighter-6354081

[USNBandit]

The T-50 is not in service, but the Typhoon is. The Tornado is a fine interceptor, but turns like a dog on a slick tile floor.

My perception of this vague source is that these "orders" to shoot down Russians come from the ROE. Doesn't mean it is going to happen, but RAF leadership must define the parameters for their positions pilots to engage Russians if things go sideways.

People need to forget the notion that the Russians are fighting terrorism. The Russians are propping up the Assad regime, that is their sole concern. If there was a group of militant nuns threatening Assad, the Russians would bomb them. ISIS forces facing east probably get a lot less attention than those facing west.