The island has run a simulated response to a Russian-registered aircraft forced to make an emergency landing in Bermuda.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said the day-long exercise allowed the island to balance geopolitical sensitivities, international law, diplomacy and safeguarding national security.

The exercise covered the handling of foreign nationals inadvertently ending up within the island’s borders, as well as compliance with international sanctions, which could complicate securing hardware for the safe operation or repair of a Russian-registered plane.

Mr Weeks said: "In reality, this is no easy feat, and we must explore how we would successfully and diplomatically handle such a scenario."

The exercise was attended by Rena Lalgie, the Governor, with a string of government officials, agencies and heads of government departments.