South Africa Justifies Naval Exercises with Iran, Russia and China

South Africa on Saturday commenced joint naval exercises with Russia, Iran and China, insisting the drills off its coastline are not a show of military aggression but a necessary response to growing global maritime tensions.

The week-long exercise, tagged “Will for Peace 2026,” comes days after the United States seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, alleging it was transporting crude to Venezuela, Russia and Iran in breach of Western sanctions. The seizure followed a US military operation in Caracas that removed Russia-ally Nicolas Maduro from power.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, South Africa’s joint taskforce commander, Captain Nndwakhulu Thomas Thamaha, said the drills — led by China — represented more than routine military cooperation and reflected a shared position among BRICS nations.

“It is a demonstration of our collective resolve to work together,” Thamaha said.

BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has since expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and, most recently, Indonesia.

China and Iran deployed destroyer warships for the exercise, while Russia and the United Arab Emirates contributed corvette vessels. South Africa, as host, sent a frigate. Indonesia, Ethiopia and Brazil are participating as observers.

“In an increasingly complex maritime environment, cooperation such as this is not an option, it is essential,” Thamaha added, noting that the drills are aimed at ensuring the security of shipping routes and maritime economic activities.

Formerly known as Exercise Mosi, the drills were initially planned for November last year but were postponed due to a scheduling conflict with the G20 summit in Johannesburg, which was boycotted by the United States.

Washington has accused South Africa and the wider BRICS bloc of pursuing “anti-American” policies and has warned members they could face an additional 10 percent tariff on top of existing global duties.

South Africa has also faced criticism from the US over its close relations with Russia and other policy decisions, including its move to file a genocide case against US ally Israel at the International Court of Justice over the Gaza conflict.

Similar criticism followed South Africa’s hosting of joint naval drills with Russia and China in 2023, which coincided with the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The three countries first held joint naval exercises in 2019.

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