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RAF fighter jets roared into the sky eight times in the last two years to intercept Russian bombers, we can reveal.

Typhoon fighters were scrambled from UK air bases five times in 2016 and three times in 2017 to challenge Kremlin warplanes heading towards British air space, Government figures show.

And in January, two Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack bombers were intercepted by Typhoons 30 miles from UK airspace and escorted them.

Lib Dem defence spokesman Lord Ming Campbell said last night (WED): “The frequency of these events shows that Russia is determined to test Britain’s air defences.

“It’s a matter of public interest when RAF aircraft have to be scrambled to shepherd Russian aircraft away from UK airspace.

(Image: PA)

“Such events carry with them the risk of accident or misjudgment which could easily turn into something much more serious.”

The Government refused to reveal how on many occasions Russian warplanes were detected flying towards British skies, citing national security.

Defence Minister Earl Howe said: “The RAF’s Air Surveillance and Control System at RAF Boulmer is fully integrated with NATO allies and the NATO Combined Air Operations Centre at Uedem in Germany, which manages NATO’s response to such activity.

“This allows NATO to react in good time to aircraft approaching the airspace of both the UK and our NATO allies.

“I am withholding details of the number of occasions Russian military aircraft were detected approaching UK airspace.

“The disclosure of this information would reveal details of the air defence of the UK which would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

“However, Quick Reaction Alert aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby launched to intercept Russian military aircraft approaching UK airspace on five days in 2016 and three days in 2017.”

Last December, Theresa May personally agreed to her Voyager aircraft playing the role of a Russian plane in a high-velocity show of force by RAF jets.

The Prime Minister watched from the flight deck as her military plane was subject to a mock interception by Typhoons over the North Sea, as she flew back to London from Cyprus.

In a move which could have been seen as provocative by the Kremlin, Mrs May witnessed first hand how the RAF stalks potential enemies in daring close-quarters flying.

Amid mounting tension between London and Moscow, she gave permission for her Voyager to be the dummy aircraft which triggers the Quick Reaction Alert - unleashing a pair of 1,500mph Typhoons.

The £100million planes thundered away from RAF Coningsby before pilots spotted the PM’s jet at 17,000ft.

The crew, who are on 24-hour alert to intercept suspect aircraft failing to respond to air traffic controllers, tipped their wings and flashed their lethal air-to-air missile missiles in a spectacular demonstration of awesome firepower.

Mrs May said: “Witnessing the unique skill of the RAF at first hand is an absolute privilege and once again demonstrates that the British Armed Forces are the finest in the world.

“The work they do is admirable and impressive and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for everything they do.”

An RAF crew member who saw the PM observing the high-altitude war game, said: “She seemed pretty happy.”