Rapid Fire Jan. 18, 2013: UK Wants Australia Aboard Type 26

• Australia and the UK signed a treaty to cooperate on areas including cyber security and defense tech. Britain pitched their Type 26 Global Combat Ships. Official statements: Australia | UK | Joint press conference.

• Earlier in the week Indonesia said it was considering buying 3 (presumably older) frigates from Britain, though details are lacking: Antara News | Investor Daily (in Indonesian) | Financial Times.

• General Dynamics C4 Systems and Alenia Aermacchi will bid together on the USAF’s T-X trainer competition to replace T-38 Talons.