South Africa Hosts BRICS Joint Naval Drills Led by China

Source: Europa Press | Original Published At: 2026-01-09 12:14:45 UTC

Key Points

• South Africa hosts 'WILL FOR PEACE 2026' naval exercises with BRICS countries, including China and Russia.
• Exercises aim to enhance interoperability, operational preparedness, and maritime security cooperation.
• Chinese Ministry confirms participation in anti-terrorism and rescue operations during drills.
• Iran joins as active participant while Indonesia and Ethiopia attend as observers.
• South African Defense Ministry emphasizes the exercise's role in exchanging best practices among BRICS members.