An Australian search team has found the remains of the country's last two servicemen missing since the Vietnam War, 39 years after their aircraft crashed in thick jungle, officials said today.

Investigators uncovered the remains after combing rugged and mountainous terrain near the Laos border where a wrecked Royal Australian Air Force plane was found in April, Defense Personnel Minister Greg Combet said.

"Relatives of the two crew members have been advised of the discovery and Air Force will continue to keep them updated," Combet said.

"These airmen gave their lives in the service of their nation. I hope finding the remains of the airmen will bring some comfort to the families."

The aircraft, flown by Flying Officer Michael Herbert and Pilot Officer Robert Carver, both 24, went missing on November 3, 1970.

More than 500 Australians died in the war, which also cost at least three million Vietnamese and 58,000 American lives by the time it ended on April 30, 1975.