China, Russia, and Iran launched “Exercise Will For Peace 2026” in South African waters Saturday, marking the first major BRICS Plus naval operation. Hosted by South Africa, the week-long drills (January 9-16) near the Cape of Good Hope focus on maritime safety, interoperability, and protecting shipping lanes, according to the South African National Defence Force.
BRICS Plus expands the original Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa bloc—seen as a counter to Western economic dominance—with Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and UAE. Brazil, Egypt, and Ethiopia join as observers. Chinese military officials led the opening, emphasizing joint operations amid global trade route tensions.
South Africa frames the exercise as routine capability-building, with Lt. Col. Mpho Mathebula insisting, “This is not political… no hostility toward the U.S.” Pretoria routinely trains with both BRICS partners and the U.S. Navy. Yet timing raises eyebrows: President Donald Trump’s administration clashes with China over trade, Iran amid unrest threats, South Africa over detained U.S. officials, and Brazil regarding Venezuela strikes. Trump last year threatened BRICS with 10% tariffs atop existing duties, branding their policies “anti-American.”
South Africa’s pro-Western Democratic Alliance slammed the drills as contradicting “stated neutrality,” accusing BRICS of turning the nation into a “pawn for rogue states.” Critics highlight warships from sanctioned nations gathering strategically near Atlantic trade chokepoints.
Previously rescheduled from November’s Mosi 3 due to the G20, the expanded format underscores BRICS military ambitions beyond economics. Warships from China and Iran docked in Cape Town; Russian vessels expected. Drills include patrol missions and coordination—capabilities tested near vital shipping lanes.
