Colombo (ANTARA News/Xinhua-OANA) - Two pilots manning the Sri Lankan air force fighter jets that collided Tuesday were reportedly safe, defense officials said.

Officials told local media that the pilots had ejected from their planes at the time of collision and operations are underway to locate them. One aircraft wreckage had been found in a paddy field.

The two Kfir jets clashed over Warana area near the capital Colombo, while on a training exercise in connection with the air force`s 60th anniversary celebrations due to begin on Wednesday.

The Israeli built Kfirs played a key role in Sri Lanka`s military defeat over the Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009.

(KR-AES/KR-PPT/H-RN)

Editor: Suryanto
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