Indonesia bolsters navy as China steps up incursions around ASEAN

Defense Ministry orders 8 frigates from Fincantieri, Italy's largest shipbuilder

20210611 frigate

A Maestrale belonging to the Italian navy is seen in an undated photo.  © Reuters

SHOTARO TANI, Nikkei staff writer

JAKARTA -- Indonesia's Defense Ministry has ordered eight frigates from Fincantieri, Italy's largest shipbuilder.

The deal, announced on Thursday by the Italian company, comes amid heightened tensions in the region with China stepping up incursions into Southeast Asian airspace and waters, and less than a week before defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations hold their annual meeting.

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