South Africa Hosts BRICS Naval Drill with Iran, China, and Russia

In a significant display of military cooperation, South Africa is hosting a naval exercise involving warships from Iran, China, and Russia, as part of the BRICS group of developing nations. The drill, named "Will for Peace 2026," is scheduled to take place from January 9 to January 16, 2026, in the waters off Cape Town. This event has raised concerns regarding South Africa"s diplomatic relations with the United States, particularly in light of its ties with Iran.

Key Details

The "Will for Peace 2026" naval drill will be led by China, emphasizing the collective commitment of the participating nations to safeguard maritime trade routes and enhance cooperation in promoting peaceful maritime security. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) issued a statement highlighting the objectives of the exercise.

As part of the drill, a Chinese destroyer arrived at the Simon’s Town naval base on January 10, 2026. Additionally, social media posts have shown a Russian frigate and a supply vessel en route to the harbor, traveling down Africa’s west coast. Notably, the Iranian naval presence includes the IRIS Makran, a large forward base ship that functions as a floating logistics hub and operational command center, which was sighted near Simon’s Town on January 11, 2026.

Background

South Africa"s decision to host this naval exercise comes amid ongoing tensions with the United States, particularly since the return of President Donald Trump to the White House nearly a year ago. The U.S. has expressed concerns over South Africa"s relationship with Iran, which has been a point of contention in diplomatic discussions. The previous BRICS naval exercise hosted by South Africa in 2023 coincided with the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, drawing criticism from both the U.S. and the European Union.

Impact

The hosting of the "Will for Peace 2026" drill is likely to exacerbate existing tensions between South Africa and the U.S., as well as among Western allies. The exercise underscores the growing military collaboration among BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—against a backdrop of shifting global power dynamics. As these nations deepen their military ties, the implications for international relations and maritime security in the region will be closely monitored.

For further context on regional dynamics, see our previous reports on related developments in international relations.