But surely the RAF is already in the process of buying an "LRNP" aircraft, or rather an aircraft that could do that as one of its many roles. With an extensive range, good loiter time, the planned ability to carry and deploy all airborne weapons in the NATO inventory, good comms fit for airborne re-targetting etc. Yes its "throw weight" is probably not as high as a dedicated LRNP might have, but what the hell!
What is it called? Why the Nimrod MRA4 (the A stands for attack). Before you all start falling off your seats laughing, read the aircraft specs and think about it. Provided the "Maritime boys" don't just treat it like the old Nimrod, and provided the "Tonka mates" don't fight turf wars to keep it out it offers interesting possibilities to anyone with any vision!
Just one drawback. You will have to wait 5/6/7/8/9/10/never* years for it to come into service.
* Delete as applicable.