A Russian warship has joined Chinese and Iranian naval vessels for joint military drills in South Africa.
According to an AFP report, the Russian corvette was seen entering False Bay on January 9.
The drill will feature navies from the 11-member BRICS group, a coalition described as “anti-American” by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Earlier, China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated that the joint maritime exercise, dubbed “Will for Peace 2026,” is set to be held from early to mid-January in the waters and airspace off the Port of Simon’s Town, South Africa.
The exercise will see participation from BRICS member states, including China, Russia, and South Africa.
In the address, the ministry added that the participants will conduct counterterrorism and rescue operations, anti-sea strikes, and other activities such as professional exchanges and on-board tours.
It will aim to deepen military exchanges and cooperation among participating nations and enhance their capabilities to jointly tackle maritime threats.
“Exercise Will for Peace 2026 brings together navies from BRICS Plus countries for an intensive programme of joint maritime safety operations, interoperability drills and maritime protection serials”, read the statement.
This year’s exercise is being led by China, with South Africa serving as the host nation.
Russian Warship Arrives in False Bay Ahead of Chinese Lead- Drills
On the other hand, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed that Exercise Will for Peace 2026 will take place from 9th to 16th January.
The drills will bring together the participating navies for joint operations focused on maritime safety, interoperability exercises, and maritime protection serials.
Maritime tracking reports indicated that Iran’s largest naval vessel has arrived near Cape Town, while Chinese and Russian warships are also participating in the joint drills.
South Africa has yet to officially reveal the exact number or names of the vessels involved.
Also Read: Daring Trump Goes After Russian Oil Tanker Mariner
The participating nations have adopted the theme: “Joint Actions to Ensure the Safety of Shipping and Maritime Economic Activities.”
Preparations have been ongoing at key naval facilities, including Simon’s Town Naval Base, where senior SANDF officials carried out readiness inspections ahead of the start of the exercise.
Also Read: Putin Defies Trump Regarding BELLA 1 Oil Tanker
US Captures Bella 1
The drills come after U.S. special forces intercepted and seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the North Atlantic after weeks of pursuit, an action that drew sharp criticism from Moscow.
The US military’s European Command said the Marinera oil tanker, originally known as the Bella-1, was seized on Wednesday “for violations of US sanctions”.
The operation followed the Marinera’s evasion of a U.S. maritime “blockade” targeting sanctioned tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, during which it also resisted attempts by the U.S. Coast Guard to board the vessel.
U.S. authorities described the tanker as part of a “shadow fleet” that has transported oil for nations including Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, in defiance of American sanctions.
The vessel was previously registered as the Panamanian tanker Bella 1, and was renamed Marinera shortly before the New Year.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
