South Africa has defended its week-long naval exercises with Russia, Iran, China, and other BRICS member countries as "essential" in light of rising tensions globally. The "Will for Peace 2026" maneuvers, held off the coast of Cape Town, come at a time when the US has been cracking down on Russian oil imports, seizing a Venezuelan-linked tanker, and escalating its pressure campaign against the South American nation.
The drills, which began on Saturday, are part of the BRICS bloc's efforts to enhance cooperation in the face of growing maritime tensions. Captain Nndwakhulu Thomas Thamaha, South Africa's joint task force commander, described the exercises as a demonstration of collective resolve among the BRICS nations.
"We need cooperation like this," Thamaha said. "In an increasingly complex maritime environment, it is not just an option but an essential requirement."
The naval exercises aim to ensure the safety of shipping lanes and maritime economic activities. China and Iran deployed destroyer warships to South Africa, while Russia and the UAE sent corvette vessels. Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Brazil have joined as observers.
The timing of the event has raised eyebrows, with some critics accusing South Africa of trying to bolster its relationships with countries that have been targeted by US sanctions. However, Bantu Holomisa, South Africa's Deputy Defence Minister, dismissed these concerns, saying that the drills were planned long before the current tensions escalated.
"Let us not press panic buttons because the USA has got a problem with countries," Holomisa said. "We need to focus on cooperating with our BRICS partners and make sure that our seas are safe."
The naval exercises follow a series of US accusations against South Africa, including criticism over its ties with Russia and its decision to bring a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
The BRICS bloc has expanded to include more countries in recent years, and these naval drills highlight the growing importance of regional cooperation. The exercise also comes as tensions between the US and several BRICS Plus countries continue to simmer, with China, Iran, South Africa, and Brazil being among those affected by US pressure campaigns.
Despite the criticism, Thamaha emphasized the importance of cooperation in the face of global challenges. "It is a demonstration of our collective resolve," he said. "In an increasingly complex maritime environment, cooperation like this is not just necessary but essential."
The drills, which began on Saturday, are part of the BRICS bloc's efforts to enhance cooperation in the face of growing maritime tensions. Captain Nndwakhulu Thomas Thamaha, South Africa's joint task force commander, described the exercises as a demonstration of collective resolve among the BRICS nations.
"We need cooperation like this," Thamaha said. "In an increasingly complex maritime environment, it is not just an option but an essential requirement."
The naval exercises aim to ensure the safety of shipping lanes and maritime economic activities. China and Iran deployed destroyer warships to South Africa, while Russia and the UAE sent corvette vessels. Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Brazil have joined as observers.
The timing of the event has raised eyebrows, with some critics accusing South Africa of trying to bolster its relationships with countries that have been targeted by US sanctions. However, Bantu Holomisa, South Africa's Deputy Defence Minister, dismissed these concerns, saying that the drills were planned long before the current tensions escalated.
"Let us not press panic buttons because the USA has got a problem with countries," Holomisa said. "We need to focus on cooperating with our BRICS partners and make sure that our seas are safe."
The naval exercises follow a series of US accusations against South Africa, including criticism over its ties with Russia and its decision to bring a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
The BRICS bloc has expanded to include more countries in recent years, and these naval drills highlight the growing importance of regional cooperation. The exercise also comes as tensions between the US and several BRICS Plus countries continue to simmer, with China, Iran, South Africa, and Brazil being among those affected by US pressure campaigns.
Despite the criticism, Thamaha emphasized the importance of cooperation in the face of global challenges. "It is a demonstration of our collective resolve," he said. "In an increasingly complex maritime environment, cooperation like this is not just necessary but essential."
South Africa's got its naval exercises with Russia and Iran, and it's all about "cooperation" and "collective resolve". Save it, right? 
I mean, the US is basically saying we can't trust anyone anymore, and now South Africa's just trying to find some allies. BRICS or what? 
It's like they're trying to create their own little superpower bloc in the middle of all this tension.
They're probably just trying to make a statement and get some brownie points with China and Iran. I mean, what's the real motivation here? Is it really about cooperation or is it just about sticking it to the US? We'll see how this all plays out... 
so i think its kinda interesting that south africa is hosting these naval exercises with russia, iran and china... like they're trying to stick it to the usa a bit? 
especially when you consider all the tensions between the us and other countries like brazil and south africa... anyway, i think its great that south africa is taking the initiative to boost regional relations and ensure maritime safety. 
. I mean, on one hand, it's cool that they're coming together to show solidarity and all, but at the same time, I don't know if it's just a case of them wanting to make friends with countries that are getting slapped by the US 
.
. dont gotta agree with everyone's reasons for being skeptical tho 
. i mean, china & Iran have warships there too... 
seems like they want to show the US that theres a team playing together here 
they say it's bout cooperation in the face of global tensions but i think its more bout south africa trying to stay on good terms w/ countries dat usa got beef w/ 
what if its just a ploy to get more oil & economic influence? thomas thanaha says its essential for maritime safety but what about when usa tries 2 block russia's oil imports? 