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13h ago

China, Russia and Iran Begin Naval Drills Off South Africa Under ‘Will for Peace 2026’

South Africa frames the China-led drills as essential maritime-security cooperation despite tensions with Washington.

A view of the Chinese destroyer CNS Tangshan, front, the Iranian naval ship IRIS Makran 441, center, and the Chinese supply ship CNS Taihu, back, in the Simon's Town harbor near Cape Town in South Africa on January 8, 2026.
China will lead the "Will For Peace 2026" navy exercise involving the 11-nation BRICS alliance
A Russian corvette moors at Simon's Town harbour ahead of Chinese-led naval exercises involving Russia, Iran and South Africa
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Overview

  • The weeklong exercise runs January 9–16 in South African territorial waters near Simon’s Town and False Bay.
  • China is the lead nation, with South Africa hosting and deploying a frigate, while Russia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates have sent warships.
  • Photos and official releases identified the Chinese destroyer CNS Tangshan and oiler CNS Taihu, Iran’s IRIS Makran, and Russia’s corvette RFS Stoikiy among the vessels present.
  • The program centers on safeguarding shipping lanes through counter-terrorism rescues, maritime strike drills, interoperability training and professional exchanges.
  • Officials say the event was planned well in advance as opposition parties warn of strain with the United States; Brazil, Indonesia and Ethiopia are attending as observers.