South Africa defends BRICS naval drills as essential amid regional tensions

South African Navy Conducts Weeklong Naval Drills with International Partners

A week-long naval exercise, “Will for Peace 2026”, began on Saturday off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. The drills involve participating nations from Russia, Iran, China, and other countries. The event is part of a global effort to address rising maritime tensions.

The exercises come after the United States seized a Venezuelan-linked Russian oil tanker in the North Atlantic, citing violations of Western sanctions. This incident follows US attacks on Venezuela and the abduction of its president, Nicolas Maduro.

South Africa’s joint task force commander, Captain Nndwakhulu Thomas Thamaha, stated that the drills are essential for ensuring the safety of shipping lanes and maritime economic activities. “It is a demonstration of our collective resolve to work together,” he said. “In an increasingly complex maritime environment, cooperation such as this is not an option, it is essential.”

The naval exercise is part of the BRICS group’s efforts to promote cooperation among its member states. China and Iran deployed destroyer warships, while Russia and the United Arab Emirates sent corvette vessels. South Africa dispatched a frigate, with Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Brazil joining as observers.

South Africa’s Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa stated that the drills were planned long before the current spike in global tensions. He emphasized the importance of cooperation among BRICS countries to ensure safe seas, particularly in the Indian Ocean and Atlantic.

The naval exercise was initially scheduled for November but was postponed due to a clash with the G20 summit in Johannesburg. The event has drawn attention from the United States, which has criticized South Africa’s close ties with Russia and other policies.

Source: Al Jazeera