A photo taken on July 23, 2006 shows an Russian IL-20M (Ilyushin 20m) plane landing at an unknown location. (AFP PHOTO)

MOSCOW, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 15 Russian servicemen killed in a plane shot down mistakenly by the Syrian air defense forces have been nominated for the awarding of the Orders of Courage posthumously, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement Tuesday.

The Il-20 surveillance plane was shot down on Sept. 17 when it was preparing to land at the Russian Hmeymim air base at a time when four Israeli jets were conducting an air strike in the vicinity.

The Russian Defense Ministry accused Israeli pilots of using the Russian plane as a cover, which diverted the Syrian missile aimed at an Israeli warplane, while Israel denied the accusation.

On Monday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that on orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Moscow will strengthen Syria's air defense by providing it with modern S-300 missile systems and identification friend-or-foe (IFF) devices.

The Order of Courage is awarded to citizens of the Russian Federation who showed selflessness, courage and bravery in the protection of public order, in the fight against crime, in rescuing people during natural disasters, fires, accidents and other extraordinary circumstances, as well as for bold and decisive actions committed in the performance of military, civil or other duties in conditions that involve a risk to life.

The award implies certain bonuses, including payment of a sum equal to eight to 13 monthly salaries, depending on the length of service of the awarded, which may be received by families of the deceased.

The Russian Defense Ministry also provides the families with all the necessary support and assistance, the statement said.