Latest update: Vladimir Putin says second pilot rescued after Turkey shot down war plane

One of the two pilots from the Russian Su-24 which was downed by two Turkish F-16s on Tuesday has been rescued by the Syrian Army, according to Reuters reports that quoted Russia's envoy to France.

"The operation ended successfully. The second pilot has been brought to our base. He is alive and well," Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said.

"I would like to thank all our guys who worked at great risk all night and finished this job at around 3:40 am (0040 GMT)," Shoigu said in televised statements.

President Vladimir Putin also confirmed that the second pilot was rescued and "he and the other participants... including in the rescue operation will be awarded state honours."

Read: Turkey F16 jets shoot down Russian war plane near Syrian border

The plane's other pilot who died as he was fired at from the ground will posthumously be given Russia's highest award for valour, the Hero of Russia medal, Putin added.

Shoigu also said that Russia is sending its most hi-tech air defence system to its air base in Syria to help bolster its firepower over the war-torn country after the downing of its jet.

"The S-400 anti-aircraft missile system will be deployed to the Hmeimim airbase," Shoigu was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.

Putin on Wednesday backed a recommendation from the foreign ministry for Russians not to visit Turkey.

"After such tragic events like the destruction of our plane and the death of our pilot, this is a necessary measure," Putin said in televised comments.

Read: Vladimir Putin warns Turkey of 'very serious consequences' after downing of Russian jet