Kremlin on Su-33 Accident in Mediterranean: 'Main Thing is the Pilot is Alive'

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russia's Defense Ministry reported earlier Monday that a Su-33 fighter rolled off the deck of the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier during landing after fulfilling a combat task in Syria, adding that the pilot ejected, was picked up by a rescue team and that his health was out of danger.

"This is very tense, difficult and heroic work. The main thing is that the pilot is alive," Peskov said when asked to comment on the Russian Su-33's crash.

On October 15, Russia's Northern Fleet’s press service said that a group of warships headed by the Admiral Kuznetsov accompanied by the Pyotr Veliky battle cruiser, the Severomorsk and Vice-Admiral Kulakov anti-submarine destroyer and support vessels had been sent to the Mediterranean to hold drills and strengthen capabilities.

Su-33 fighter jets based on Admiral Kuznetsov air carrier repeatedly took part in the anti-terrorist strikes in Syria.

Russia launched military operation against terrorist groups in Syria in September 2015, at the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad.