Funny, I am ex RAF, but on a navy bent at present.
1983 and two countries, rumored to be Malasia and South Korea, cancelled orders for a Nimitz class carrier each. Money trouble.
The U.K. was just finding the benefits of oil near the Falklands and the chance was taken to quickly acquire the two vessels. Although part of the Roosevelt sub class, there were alterations for the original customers, which were then changed to suit the Brits.
In 1987, the Indefatigable was held up by a fire in the P.O.'s mess, so Indomitable entered service first. Aircraft had to be sought of course, and the opportunity to develop something of their own was jumped on.
As a short cut, the Tornado was used as a base plan, and a fixed wing version was found to be the best option. As a true MRCA, the aircraft was given a new name, (if the wings look like those of the Etendard 1VP, its probably a coincidence. Maybe.)
Enter, The Cyclone.