Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on 2 July launched JS Tatsuta, the eleventh vessel in Japan’s 12-ship Mogami-class multirole frigate programme, at its Nagasaki Shipyard. The 133-metre ship, budgeted at about ¥58.3 billion (US$406 million), is scheduled for fitting-out ahead of delivery to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force by the end of fiscal 2026. Designed for a crew of roughly 90, the 3,900-tonne frigate uses a combined diesel-and-gas propulsion system that allows speeds exceeding 30 knots. Armament includes a 127-mm naval gun, vertical-launch missile cells, surface-to-ship missiles and mine-warfare drones, reflecting Tokyo’s push for compact yet highly capable warships able to operate across the East China Sea and wider Indo-Pacific. The accelerated build programme—ten of the ships are being constructed at the Nagasaki yard—comes as Japan seeks to strengthen surveillance and deterrence around the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands and counter increased Chinese and Russian naval activity. Tokyo is also pitching an upgraded variant of the design to Australia’s SEA 3000 frigate competition. Separately, recently published images show continued work on a prototype electromagnetic railgun installed on the test ship JS Asuka in Yokosuka. An at-sea firing trial is expected before the end of July, underscoring Japan’s broader investment in next-generation naval weaponry.