An Israeli Air Force Cobra helicopter on a training flight crashed south of Gadera overnight on Monday, killing the pilot and navigator on board, The Jerusalem Post reported.

The Israel Air Force lost contact with the attack helicopter after 1 am, as it flew to the Palmahim airbase. The aircraft was flown by an experienced air crew and was on a routine training flight, the IDF said.

A ground and air search - including the use of drones - was launched after radio contact ceased. Rescuers located wreckage shortly after 5 am.

Israel Air Force chief Maj.-Gen. Amir Eshel grounded all Cobra helicopters pending the result of an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.