BRICS members kick off joint naval exercise in South Africa

A joint maritime exercise involving BRICS members—including China, Russia, and South Africa—has officially kicked off at Simon's Town naval base near Cape Town.

Dubbed “Will for Peace 2026,” the drill will take place in the surrounding waters and airspace off the South African port.

The initiative seeks to safeguard international shipping routes, enhance maritime cooperation, strengthen strategic trust, and send a positive message of peace and development to the international community.

Joint Task Force Commander at the South Africa Navy, Captain Ndwakhulu Thomas Thamaha says, "The theme of the exercise is joint actions to ensure the safety of shipping lanes and maritime economy activities. The exercise will normally focus on the anti-piracy activities and some other activities that are scheduled to take place during the sea phase."

China has deployed destroyers, while South Africa and Russia have contributed naval vessels.

Participating nations are conducting a range of activities, including maritime security operations, counter-terrorism drills, search-and-rescue missions, anti-surface warfare exercises, and fleet exchanges.

The weeklong exercise is viewed not only as a military drill but also as a meaningful step in promoting multilateralism and addressing global challenges, providing a practical example of maritime security governance under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Edited by CGTN Africa's Dinah Matengo