Su-34 Jets Accidentally Collide In Far East

“On 18 January, at 8:07 (Moscow time), while performing a planned training flight over the Sea of Japan, 35 kilometers from the coast, two Su-34 planes of the Far Eastern Air Defence Forces made contact in the air while manoeuvring,” reported the Department of Information and Mass Communications of the Ministry of Defence of Russia.

According to the ministry, the search-and-rescue operation involves Tu-142, An-12, An-30 aircraft, Mi-8 helicopters. Another six vessels of the Russian Pacific Fleet were deployed to the search area.

“Pilot’s body was found in the area of the search-and-rescue operation. The body of the deceased pilot was taken aboard a vessel involved in the operation in the area,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry reported that two Su-34 fighter-bombers collided on Friday morning while maneuvering during a training flight over the waters the Sea of Japan 35 kilometers [22 miles] off the coast.

Both crews (of two pilots each) ejected, but only one pilot has been rescued so far, while the first body was found earlier in the day floating in an individual life-support raft.

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