If you think about the context it's a pretty apt description. The pilot knows that the UK and Russia aren't at war and that for Russia to shoot down an RAF plan

If you think about the context it's a pretty apt description. The pilot knows that the UK and Russia aren't at war and that for Russia to shoot down an RAF plane would be an extraordinary escalation. To continue without very clear and unambiguous authorization in those circumstances seems like an action that ought to get you kicked very firmly out of any self-respecting military organization. Especially given that he fired a second missile despite the other pilot's protests.