First of all, the history is a nonsense. The local MoD was contacted by the press and they denied the history at all.
Secondly, my bet is the history was originated INSIDE the UK. After the defense cuts, someone needed the excuse to buy more planes, improve ships and so on. And with this fantasy scenario (making the proper headlines), he has the excuse...
Finally, surely I could exchange a couple of cows for a Fencer.
Regards!