BRICS Naval Exercises Near South Africa Involve Russia and Iran

Source: Укрінформ. Новини України та світу | Original Published At: 2026-01-10 10:27:01 UTC

Key Points

• BRICS naval exercises 'Will to Peace' involve Russian destroyer 'Stoyky', Iranian warships, and participants from China, South Africa, UAE, and observer nations.
• Exercises aim to enhance maritime security cooperation and protect key shipping routes near Cape Town.
• South Africa seeks to balance BRICS ties with US relations, as Washington criticized previous BRICS military cooperation.
• Indonesia, Brazil, Egypt, and Ethiopia participate as observers in the drills running until January 16.
• Maneuvers follow heightened Middle East tensions redirecting commercial shipping traffic around Africa's southern coast.