It doesnt have to be that expensive!
Ever heard of Offset Bartering ?
" The two countries have made progress in cooperative efforts in the area of defense equipment and technology. For example, the two sides conducted joint research on air-to-air missiles and chemical weapons. We confirmed that we will hold working-level talks in efforts to identify new areas of defense cooperation. In addition, we agreed to discuss procurement methods of defense equipment between the two countries including an offset barter."
Extra Press Conference by the Defense Minister Nakatani(07:31-07:39 P.M. January 21, 2015 (Japan time))
Any Shiny and very expensive platform becomes a hell of a lot more pallatable to the bean counters when there are significant financial gains to be made for UK industry.
Second last question.