EU arms makers seek Southeast Asian partners amid China-US rivalry

Region's move to buy subs, jets jibes with Europe's plans to expand hubs, build up armies

2025-05-15 fincantieri.jpeg

This Fincantieri-made frigate will soon be headed to Indonesia but is now docked at Muggiano naval shipyard. (Fincantieri)

JENS KASTNER

HAMBURG, Germany -- While Pakistan's claim that its Chinese-manufactured fighter aircraft shot down India's French-made jets earlier this month shone a spotlight on China's capabilities, an Indonesian Navy crew was undergoing final training at an Italian shipyard owned by one of the world's largest shipbuilders, Fincantieri.

Amid debate over the superiority of Chinese weaponry, Indonesian forces were training to operate two Italian-made 6,000-metric-ton advanced anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine frigates. One will be delivered to Indonesia in June, and the other by year-end.

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