Warships from China and Iran have arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, ahead of a joint military drill scheduled to commence on Friday. The exercise, dubbed “Will for Peace 2026,” is a week-long naval drill that brings together key nations from the BRICS+ group, with China taking the lead. Russian ships are also expected to participate in the drill, which will be held in South African waters from January 9 to January 16.
The theme of the exercise is “Joint Actions to Ensure the Safety of Shipping and Maritime Economic Activities,” aiming to showcase the participants’ commitment to safeguarding maritime trade routes and deepening cooperation in support of peaceful maritime security. According to South Africa’s Department of Defence, the drill will demonstrate the nations’ dedication to ensuring the safety of shipping and promoting economic activities in the maritime sector.
The BRICS grouping, which originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to include countries such as Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates. However, it is not yet clear which countries will participate in the China-led naval exercises.
The initiative has the potential to further strain relations between South Africa and the United States, which have been tense in recent months. The two countries have experienced growing tensions, particularly after the detention of US officials in South Africa. The joint military drill may exacerbate these tensions, as it highlights South Africa’s increasingly close ties with other nations, including China and Russia.
The exercise is significant, as it marks a notable cooperation between key nations in the BRICS+ group. The drill’s focus on maritime security and trade route safety is also timely, given the importance of these issues in the global economy. As the exercise commences, it will be closely watched by international observers, who will be keen to see how the participating nations work together to achieve their objectives.
The “Will for Peace 2026” drill is a notable development in the region, highlighting the growing cooperation between nations in the BRICS+ group. As the exercise progresses, it will be important to monitor its outcomes and assess its implications for regional and global security. With its focus on maritime security and trade route safety, the drill has the potential to contribute to a more stable and secure maritime environment, which is essential for the global economy.
