South Africa has begun a week‑long naval exercise with Iran, Russia and China, calling the drills “essential” in today’s tense world. The manoeuvres are part of a China‑led programme called “Will for Peace 2026,” held off the coast near Cape Town. South African officials say the goal is to improve cooperation at sea and protect important shipping routes — not to take sides in global politics.
South Africa Launches Naval Exercise Amid Growing Global Tensions
On January 9, 2026, South Africa’s navy began the Will for Peace 2026 exercises in its territorial waters. The event includes warships from several countries, especially China, Russia and Iran. These drills come at a time when tensions around the world are rising, including recent actions by the United States in distant oceans and political conflicts in other regions.
The exercises were originally planned for November 2025 but were delayed because they clashed with the G20 summit in Johannesburg. South Africa’s military says that the drill was planned long before the current tensions.
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At the opening ceremony, South African military leaders stressed that the exercise was not just a show of force but a genuine effort to work together with partner nations to keep seas safe and secure. One commander described it as a demonstration of collective will and teamwork.
Who Is Taking Part and What Is Happening at Sea
The naval drills bring together navies from the BRICS and BRICS Plus group of countries, a group of emerging nations that now includes Brazil, China, Russia, India, South Africa, and other partners like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
Several different warships have joined the exercises:
- Chinese destroyers and support ships
- Iranian large naval vessels
- Russian corvettes
- South African frigates
Observers from some other BRICS nations — including Indonesia, Ethiopia and Brazil — are also present at the event.
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In the drills, sailors are practising a range of operations meant to boost safety and teamwork at sea. These include simulated maritime security tasks, shared drills to improve coordination, and efforts to protect key shipping lanes. The South African military says these skills are vital in a world where trade by sea plays a big role in the global economy.
Responses and Reactions at Home and Abroad
While South Africa insists the exercise is essential and focused on maritime safety, the drills have drawn strong reactions both inside the country and abroad.
South African Government View
South African military officials have explained that the exercises focus on cooperation, shared learning, and maritime safety. They say that working together with other navies builds skills that help protect ships, sailors and trade routes. According to the defence force, sharing best practices improves the capability of all participating navies and contributes to broader regional stability.
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Criticism from Political Opponents
Some political leaders within South Africa have raised concerns. For example, a major opposition party has argued that calling these drills a BRICS activity might be misleading because not all BRICS countries are taking part and because the drill includes nations currently under international sanctions like Russia and Iran. Critics say the exercises may seem like a political choice rather than a neutral act, especially given South Africa’s stated policy of remaining non‑aligned in global conflicts.
International Response
The timing of the drills has also drawn attention internationally. The exercises follow recent actions by the United States, including the seizure of a Russian‑flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic. Some foreign governments have suggested that these naval activities could have broader geopolitical meaning. South African officials, however, maintain that the focus remains on safety and cooperation at sea.
What Is Clear Today
South Africa is hosting these naval drills with other major navies and insists the exercises are not about confrontation but about making the seas safer for everyone. The event brings together military forces from several major countries. At the same time, the exercises have sparked debate over South Africa’s foreign policy and how such actions are viewed around the world.