South Africa is hosting a week-long set of naval exercises in its coastal waters involving ships from China, Russia and Iran, described by the host as a “BRICS Plus” operation focused on protecting shipping and maritime economic activity. The drills, branded “Will for Peace,” bring together countries that have tense relations with the United States and come as Pretoria’s already-strained ties with Washington face fresh scrutiny. South African officials say the exercise was planned well in advance and aims at cooperation and regional maritime stability, while domestic and foreign critics warn it could deepen diplomatic friction.

Highlights:

• Who is involved: South Africa’s deputy defence minister said the United Arab Emirates was also expected to send ships, while Indonesia, Ethiopia and Brazil planned to send observers.
• BRICS expansion: Sources describe “BRICS Plus” as an expanded grouping beyond the original five members, with additional countries now included in the bloc framework referenced around the drills.
• Local politics: South Africa’s Democratic Alliance said parliament had not been properly briefed on the drills’ cost, command structure, or diplomatic consequences, and argued defence policy should remain transparent and constitutional.
• G20 rescheduling: The manoeuvres were first slated for November 2025 but were postponed because they would have overlapped with the G20 summit in Johannesburg.
• Indian Ocean signal: Analysis of the exercise frames it as a message about South Africa’s intention to project influence in a strategically important Indian Ocean region where Moscow and Beijing seek greater presence.

This exercise was planned long before these tensions we are witnessing today. - Bantu Holomisa

Perspectives:

• South African National Defence Force: The defence force says the drills are meant to share best practices, improve joint operational capability, and support safer shipping routes and regional maritime stability. (Dawn)
• South African government (Deputy defence minister): Officials argue the timing is not a response to current geopolitics, saying planning began before the latest tensions and that the exercise serves operational cooperation. (Dawn)
• United States (President Trump administration): US-South Africa relations are already strained, and reporting notes the war games could further inflame tensions, including after Washington’s boycott of the G20 summit and other recent disputes. (BBC)
• Democratic Alliance (South Africa): The DA says parliament was not properly briefed and warns military exercises should not quietly reshape foreign policy or undermine South Africa’s stated neutrality. (The New Arab)
• Analysts (RFI): Commentary portrays the drills as a strategic signal of South Africa’s Indian Ocean influence and of growing interest from China and Russia in the region. (AllAfrica (RFI))

Sources:

• Russia joins China, Iran for naval drills off South Africa - dawn.com
• Africa: South Africa's Naval Exercises With China, Russia, Iran Show Its Indian Ocean Influence - allafrica.com
• South Africa's strained ties with US face new test - war games with China, Iran and Russia - bbc.com
• China, Russia, Iran start 'BRICS Plus' naval exercises in South African waters - al-monitor.com
• Chinese, Iranian warships in South Africa for exercises - newarab.com
• Russia joins Chinese and Iranian warships in South Africa naval drills - france24.com
• China, Russia, Iran start ‘BRICS Plus’ naval exercises in South African waters - straitstimes.com