A Russian Su-30SM fighter crashed over the Mediterranean Sea shortly after its takeoff, killing both pilots on board, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
The accident took place at around 09:45 Moscow time (0645 GMT) when the aircraft was climbing after the take-off from the Khmeimim airfield in the port city of Latakia in western Syria, Russian media reported, citing a ministry statement.
Both pilots who fought until the last minute to save the plane were killed, the ministry said.
According to preliminary information, a bird that hit the plane's engine could have caused the crash.
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