South Africa Defends Naval Exercises with Russia and China
Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 13-01-2026
South Africa has defended its joint naval exercises with Russia, China, Iran, and other nations, describing them as “necessary” and a vital response to rising international maritime tensions.
The drills, named “Peace Mission 2026,” began on Saturday off the coast of Cape Town, involving countries from the expanded BRICS group. These exercises follow the recent announcement by the United States regarding the detention of a Russian oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the North Atlantic, citing violations of Western sanctions. This action was viewed by Washington as part of its ongoing campaign against Caracas. The drills coincided with heightened tensions between the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and several BRICS Plus countries, including China, Iran, South Africa, and Brazil.
China and Iran participated with naval destroyers, while Russia and the UAE sent corvettes, and South Africa contributed a frigate. Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Brazil joined as observers.
South African Deputy Defense Minister Thandi Modise stated that these exercises had been planned for a long time and denied any connection to recent escalations. She remarked, “There is no need to panic because the U.S. has issues with certain countries; they are not our enemies.” She added, “We must focus on cooperation with BRICS nations and ensure the security of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.” The exercises, previously known as “Mosi,” were scheduled for November last year but were postponed due to their overlap with the G20 summit in Johannesburg, which was boycotted by Washington.
Washington has accused the BRICS group of pursuing “anti-American” policies and threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on their products. The U.S. has also criticized Pretoria’s close ties with Moscow and its decision to file a lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice for alleged “genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza.
South Africa previously sparked controversy by hosting naval exercises with Russia and China in 2023, coinciding with the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, noting that the three nations conducted their first joint drills in 2019.
South Africa’s military cooperation with Russia and China has been a point of contention, especially given the geopolitical climate. The country has previously engaged in joint exercises with these nations, notably in 2023, coinciding with the anniversary of the Ukraine invasion. Such maneuvers reflect South Africa’s strategic alignment within the BRICS framework, which seeks to counterbalance Western influence in global affairs.
The U.S. has criticized these partnerships, accusing BRICS nations of adopting anti-American policies. This tension has led to threats of increased tariffs on products from these countries, highlighting the complex dynamics at play as South Africa navigates its non
