It is odd that the Brits would turn to the French, although they did it when they decided on Exocet as their first main anti ship missile. However, you have to consider, what other choices are there? If F-22 is cancelled, F-35 is delayed, that leaves the Russian Sukhoi or French Rafale. There arent any other naval fighter jets out there.
It also makes sense from the stanpoint of the british aircraft carrier itself. There’s a chance that the Brits & French will actually ‘share’ an aircraft carrier. If they operate a common aircraft type (Rafael) then you could see an integrated air wing. Of course then they’d be arguing about which language needed to be use over the comms.
F-22 is not a naval fighter either.
It’s ironic that the RN should look at the Rafale since the French walked out of the Eurofigher, citing the lack of a naval variant as a major reason.The most obvious choice in this age of shrinking budgets would have to be the Super Hornet. Far less costly than the Rafale,mature and with excellent strike capability-it would also be a more sensible bridge to F-35.