China, Russia and Iran have commenced a joint naval exercise in South African waters under the expanded BRICS Plus framework, underscoring deepening military and strategic cooperation among the three nations. The drills, known as Will for Peace 2026, began this week and are taking place off the coast near Cape Town, involving warships and naval personnel from the participating countries, as reported by Reuters.
South Africa’s defence authorities said the exercise is focused on maritime safety, search and rescue operations, and improving interoperability among navies operating along critical global shipping routes. Officials noted that the manoeuvres were planned well in advance and form part of South Africa’s long-standing practice of engaging in multinational military exercises with a range of partners, including those from the Global South.
Beyond the core participants, countries within the broader BRICS Plus grouping have been invited to observe the drills, reflecting the bloc’s expanding geopolitical footprint. Chinese and Russian defence officials said the exercise is intended to strengthen cooperation and promote stability at sea, while Iranian authorities described it as a confidence building initiative aimed at safeguarding international maritime trade.
The drills have nonetheless drawn scrutiny from opposition parties and some Western governments. Critics argue that hosting naval forces from Russia and Iran could heighten diplomatic tensions, while South African officials have reiterated that the exercise is nonaligned in nature and consistent with the country’s foreign policy of strategic autonomy, according to statements cited by CNBC Africa.
