South Africa has described the ongoing naval exercises with Russian, Chinese, and Iranian warships to be essential in the backdrop of current radical geopolitical developments.
South African Naval Commander, Captain Nndwakhulu Thomas Thamaha, said during the opening ceremony of the exercises that the drills are a “statement of intent”.
“It is a demonstration of our collective resolve to work together,” he said, adding, “In an increasingly complex maritime environment, cooperation such as this is not an option; it is essential.”
They are also aimed at protecting the maritime routes and shipping activities, he said.
The joint exercises, called ‘Will for Peace 2026’, kicked off on Saturday off the coast of Cape Town, days after the United States seized multiple Venezuela-linked Russian oil tankers in the North Atlantic and captures Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife.
These naval drills have coincided with rising tensions between Washington and several BRICS Plus countries, including China, Iran, South Africa, and Brazil.
Also Read: Chinese, Russian, Iranian warships begin naval drills in S Africa
BRICS, originally made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded recently to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
The exercises on Sunday entered day two and will continue for the entire week.
According to officials, China and Iran have sent their latest destroyer warships, while Russia and the UAE have sent their corvette vessels, and South Africa dispatched a frigate. Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Brazil have joined as observers.
Asked about the timing of the event, South Africa’s Deputy Defence Minister, Bantu Holomisa said: “Let’s focus on cooperating with the BRICS countries and make sure that our seas, especially the Indian Ocean and Atlantic, are safe.”
Washington, on the other hand, has accused the BRICS bloc of engaging in “anti-American” policies and warned that its members could face additional tariffs of 10 per cent on top of existing duties already levied.
The ongoing naval drills are the second such exercise after Russia, China, and South Africa conducted similar drills in 2019.
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