That's a fair point. Why did the tornado never happen?
Tornado was due to be start introduction in 1979,with the first plane due to be delivered to the RAF on June 5. With the outbreak of the virus in May, delivery still took place, of the first initia aricraft. Due to issues over work share and production, the cost of completing the German workshare in the UK and the wait time meant that it became unworkable. Italy and the UK pulled the plug on the project on November 22 1979 when it become apparent that Germany as it was, was lost.
After the loss of the Tornado, the RAF began to consider a replacement. The money for a Europe only fighter was lost, it became apparent due to financial issues that the best course was to maintain the production of the Jaguar which was well underway and could continue and look for an alternative in the US.
In 1983 the US/UK Defence Europe Accord was signed, this allowed for the involvement in all non nuclear weapons developments where defence of the rest of Europe was at stake. The Accord also made provision for a new US naval base at Malta (Malta after the Virus had opted after a referedum to join the UK as a crown dependency). The New US naval Yard at Valetta became home to the Mediteranian Control Fleet, a joint US/UK/Italian/Spanish fleet which sought to contain the quarantine zone and keep Russian movements under check.
Another matter to add is the fact that in 2000 when it became apparent that the two new CVNF were going to be ordered, the FAA in agreement with the RAF order a compliment of 48 Super Hornets from Boeing. The New fighters were ordered with the agreement of the USN that they would form 2 Squadrons aboard USN CVN - The Two Squadrons named Britania and Nelson joined stood up in 2004. The 2 other Squadrons remained in the UK joining the Quick Reaction Alert fleet. It was decided that a further order of 12 Aircraft would be order in 2008 and also joined the QRA while waiting for the Carriers to become operational. All Super Hornets are flown by FAA pilots who rotate between UK and USN squadrons to maintain hours and carrier certification. This will provide the Carriers with CATOBAR certified pilots when they come on line.