MOSCOW - A Russian Su-30SM fighter crashed over the Mediterranean Sea shortly after its takeoff, killing both pilots on board, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.

The incident took place at around 09:45 Moscow time (0645 GMT) when the aircraft was climbing after its takeoff 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.