China, Iran, and Russia join South African naval drill off the Western Cape coast

Zuko Komisa

South Africa is hosting a week-long multinational exercise off the Western Cape involving naval forces from China, Iran, and Russia.
The drills focus on securing trade routes and enhancing maritime interoperability, framed by the SANDF as a “BRICS Plus” initiative.
While South Africa advocates for multipolar cooperation, the exercise has drawn criticism for its potential impact on relations with Western allies.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has launched a multinational maritime exercise off the Western Cape coast, featuring warships from China, Iran, and Russia.

Running from 9 to 16 January, the drills are designed to enhance maritime security, safeguard international trade routes, and improve interoperability between the participating navies.

The Chinese corvette Tangshan and the replenishment ship Taihu arrived on 7 January, followed by Iran’s IRIS Makran and its support fleet.

Russia’s Stoykiy corvette and the oiler Yelnya are expected to join shortly, while South Africa is represented by the frigate SAS Amatola.

South Africa has positioned the exercise as a demonstration of “BRICS Plus” cooperation aimed at fostering peaceful maritime relations.

However, the absence of fellow members Brazil and India has been noted, and the drill has sparked debate, with critics warning it may further strain diplomatic ties with the United States.