Two Russian Su-34 fighter jets collide in training flight

Two Russian Su-34 fighter bombers collided midair during a training flight this morning, Russia's Defense Ministry reported on Friday.

The incident happened in Russia's Far East, 35 kilometers offshore over the Sea of Japan, while the planes were practicing maneuvering, the ministry said in a statement.

The planes approached dangerously close and "touched" each other, which provoked the crash, the statement said.

"The crews of the planes ejected. An-12 plane and two Mi-8 search and rescue helicopters are searching for the pilots in the catapult area. The planes performed the flight without ammunition," it said.

The Su-34 is a multifunctional fighter-bomber that can attack air, ground, sea, and surface targets. It has a two-person crew.