Russian Mi-28 attack helicopter crashed in Syria in the early hours of Tuesday morning, killing two pilots, Russian news agencies quoted Russia’s Defence Ministry as saying.

The helicopter was not shot down, the ministry said, adding that the helicopter crashed in Homs province. The pilots’ bodies had been recovered and brought to Russia’s air base in Hmeymim, the ministry said.

The Mi-28NE “Night Hunter” is a modern attack helicopter designed to carry out search and destroy operations against tanks, armoured and un-armoured vehicles, and enemy personnel in combat, as well as low-speed airborne targets. It can operate night and day, and in adverse weather conditions.

The Mi-28N “Night Hunter” has been officially accepted into service with the Russian Ministry of Defence. The “Night Hunter” meets the latest international standards for combat attack helicopters, and Mi-28NE is its export version.