Widger, wouldn't that require a cat and trap fit? If so why mess around with an aircraft which may prove expensive and problematic for various reasons, Just get the same as the USN, either reworked F-18 C/Ds (if there are any available) or go with the E/F and even G. Maybe not the newest design but with the development and capability virtually done by the USN already you have immediately useful aircraft, also gives prospects for exchanges pre UK carriers to get up to speed and great interoperability.
If they went that way some E-2s would be useful too
