Russian Su-30SM fighter has crashed in Syria, with both pilots having died in the incident, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.

The plane crashed over the Mediterranean Sea, shortly after it took off of the Hmeymim airbase in Syria, the ministry added.

"A Russian Su-30SM fighter plane crashed over the Mediterranean Sea at around 9:45 Moscow time [06:45 GMT] when gaining height after taking off at Hmeimim airfield. Both pilots, which were fighting to save the plane until the last moment, died," the statement read.

According to the ministry, the plane was not shot down.

"According to preliminary information, a bird strike may have caused the crash," it said.