RAF and German fighter jets have intercepted a Russian aircraft near Estonian airspace in the first joint operation of its kind.

The two Typhoons were scrambled on Tuesday to intercept an Il-78 Midas refuelling plane flying between St Petersburg and Kaliningrad.

The plane had failed to communicate with air traffic control in Estonia.

The British and German air forces are currently conducting planned joint Nato air policing in the region.

The interception itself was routine, but it is the first time such an operation has been carried out together by the two countries.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Nato and Russia over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, although there is no evidence of any link with Tuesday's reported collision between a Russian fighter jet and a US drone over the Black Sea.

17 hours ago, Social Media said:

the first time such an operation has been carried out together by the two countries

Thank you Putin, you bring out the best in people. He should get honored with the French Putain Award.