Two Russian Air Force Su-34 fighter-bombers collided Friday during a training mission midair 44 km off the coast over the Sea of Japan.

The both crew of 2 occupants ejected, pilot and navigator. At around 11:00 Moscow time, a search and rescue helicopter rescued one of the Su-34’s pilots found in his life raft with adverse weather conditions.

The dramatic rescue mission saw one pilot found on a life raft in the sea, and could be picked up by helicopter. 

At this moment the Russian Defense Ministry said the following a massive search involving several rescue ships and aircraft, two other crewmen were found dead.

The search for the fourth missing pilot is continuing despite strong winds.

Earlier, the Defense Ministry said two crewmembers were rescued, but later retracted the report and said that just one crewman has been found alive.

Based on the Soviet Union’s potent Su-27 air superiority fighter, the Su-34 Fullback is the Russian Air Force’s long-range strike aircraft of choice.

The Su-34, dubbed “Fullback” by NATO, is one of Russia’s most capable aircraft — able to engage targets on the ground and in the air — and has been used extensively in Syria.

The 45 ton, Mach 1.8-capable Russian Su-34, designed to carry up to 8 tons of weaponry, has a tactical radius of 4,000 km, and a flight ceiling of 18,000 meters.

The plane can also be equipped with up to three additional fuel tanks, allowing it to fly 8 hours without refueling.