I think a bomb is more likely for a couple of reasons. Firstly the breakup occurred around the tail section .. that doesn't square with a guided missile which normally targets the nose or engines. Second a bomb is much easier to conceal than a missile. I think the smoke in the video was from the explosion itself.

[–] 601error@lemmy.ca 6 points 1 year ago

The engines are at the back of this aircraft. Also in Russia, Russian air defence sites do not need to be concealed from Russian business jets. That said, I find either cause equally plausible.

[–] sxan@midwest.social 5 points 1 year ago

All good points. Also, it's hella cheaper, plus also avoids the risk of someone with a cellphone capturing your SAM launch on video.