According to a report by Daily Star UK,a Russian fighter jet has crashed into the sea off Syria killing both pilots after a suspected bird strike.
Russia’s defence ministry confirmed the SU-30 warplane crashed off the coast of Latakia.
Both pilots died in the crash despite their efforts to save the aircraft.
Pictures on social media show the jet coming down and slamming into the sea.
Vladimir Putin’s military officials confirmed the plane had not been shot down.
They added the initial cause of the crash is believed to be a bird striking the plane’s engine.
CRASH: Witnesses capture the moment the SU-30 slammed into the scene
Pilots “fought to take the aircraft under control till the last minute,” the Russian Defense ministry said.
Sukhoi SU-30 planes are all-weather air-to-air and surface-to-air fighter planes.
They are one of the “flanker” family of warplanes operated by the Russian air force.
SU-30s have been regularly used in Syria as Putin waded into the war on the side of dictator Bashar al-Assad.
The fighter planes often provide an escort for larger bombers operating in the theatre.
Capable of flying at speeds of 1,320mph, the jets cost around $37.5 million a piece.
Khmeimim Airbase near Latakia and the naval site in the port city of Tartus have been handed over to Russia by Assad.
Putin’s military forces can operate there for up to 49 years based on the deal.
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