NATO member Turkey has the right to defend its own airspace, US President Barack Obama said Tuesday after Turkish forces shot down a Russian fighter jet on its border with Syria.

"Turkey, like every country, has a right to defend its territory and its airspace," Obama said at the White House during an appearance with French President Francois Hollande.

Both Hollande and Obama warned against any escalation after the Russian jet downing, amid concern that the air clash could dramatically escalate tensions in the volatile region.