South Africa has begun hosting Russia, China and Iran for a weeklong joint naval drill off Cape Town’s cold Atlantic coastline.
The exercise, called WILL FOR PEACE 2026, started on Jan. 9 and is scheduled to conclude on Jan. 16.
Warships are operating inside South Africa’s territorial waters, where winter seas meet rising diplomatic tensions and cautious international attention.
The South African National Defence Force said the drill aims to protect shipping routes, strengthen cooperation and support regional maritime stability.
China is leading the exercise, coordinating vessels and personnel from countries bound by strategic interests and increasingly intertwined global ambitions.
The Democratic Alliance, part of the governing coalition, condemned the drills as dangerous symbolism cloaked in the language of BRICS cooperation.
The party said Pretoria is choosing closer military ties with sanctioned states, risking moral credibility and fragile relationships with Western partners.
Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa defended the exercise, saying South Africa has long held joint drills with friendly nations.
He said participation would boost troop morale and described it as an honour to train alongside well-equipped military partners.
China, Russia, Iran, South Africa and the UAE deployed vessels, while Brazil, Indonesia and Ethiopia sent observers.
The drills come as relations between Washington and Pretoria remain strained after sharp disagreements over foreign and domestic policy.
Political analyst Andre Duvenhage warned the exercise could further damage ties with the United States, threatening investment and economic confidence.