(MENAFN) A Su-30 fighter aircraft went down during a training mission in a remote part of northwestern Russia on Thursday evening, resulting in the deaths of both pilots, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The crash occurred in the Karelia Region, which shares a border with Finland.

The ministry reported that the aircraft was operating without a payload at the time of the incident.

Karelia Governor Artur Parfenchikov confirmed that the pilots were members of the 159th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment stationed in Besovets.

“I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives,” Parfenchikov expressed on Telegram.

In a related incident last month, a MiG-31 fighter jet went down while attempting to land in Lipetsk Region, located southeast of Moscow. Fortunately, both pilots were able to eject safely.

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