At the beginning of August, Canberra surprised everyone with the news that the Japanese design of the "modified Mogami class" had been selected as the successor to the multi-purpose frigates of the ageing Anzac class. According to the tender, the revised export design of the frigates already in service with the Japanese Navy (JMSDF) - albeit with slightly larger dimensions, newer sensors and more powerful armament - is best suited to fulfil Australia's strategic needs in a timely manner. Contracts are to be concluded with Tokyo and shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in 2026 to build eleven frigates configured with a 32-cell vertical take-off system for submarine hunting and air defence - three of them in an accelerated programme with first delivery in 2029 and commissioning brought forward by five years in 2030. This is because Australia is running out of time: the type ship of the eight Anzac frigates is already being recycled. This largest external defence order for MHI to date would also be the first official export of Japanese warships. This strategic decision by Australia is a clear commitment to strengthening co-operation on the western edge of the Pacific. However, TKMS has lost out, as the German shipbuilder was also in the final selection.