CAPE TOWN: A Russian warship arrived off South Africa’s main naval base on Friday to take part in joint military exercises alongside Chinese and Iranian vessels in South African waters. The week‑long manoeuvres, dubbed “Will for Peace 2026,” bring together navies from several BRICS and BRICS‑Plus nations in an exercise aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and stability in the region.
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AFP journalists observed the Russian‑flagged corvette pull into False Bay near the Simon’s Town naval base as Chinese destroyers, replenishment ships and an Iranian forward base vessel already prepared for the drills. South African defence officials said the exercises will enable participating forces to “exchange best practices and improve joint operational capabilities” and contribute to the safety of shipping routes.
The naval exercise was originally scheduled for November 2025 but postponed due to a clash with the G20 summit in Johannesburg. Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa said the timing of the drills was planned well in advance, despite rising geopolitical tensions linked to confrontations involving the United States and other global actors.
The United Arab Emirates was also expected to send ships, while Indonesia, Ethiopia and Brazil will participate as observers, officials said. The remaining BRICS members include India, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, though not all are reported to be directly involved in the naval activities.
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The exercises have drawn scrutiny from critics who say exercises with sanctioned states could strain Pretoria’s relations with Washington. South Africa has faced diplomatic pressure from the United States over its ties with Russia and Iran, making the drills a potential flashpoint in international relations.