# Will for Peace 2026: BRICS+ Navies Expand Maritime Cooperation

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2026/01/will-for-peace-2026-brics-navies-expand-maritime-cooperation/
- Published: 2026-01-25T15:50:25+01:00
- Author: Sarah Lesedi

The Will for Peace 2026 maritime exercise officially commenced on Saturday, January
10, 2026, with an opening parade at Naval Base Simon’s Town in Cape Town. This event
marks a notable expansion of maritime security cooperation within the BRICS Plus
framework, a grouping originally consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and
South Africa. The current iteration brings together naval assets from South Africa,
China, Russia, and Iran. While the exercise demonstrates a deepening of military
ties among these nations, it has also generated substantial debate regarding the
geopolitical trajectory of the host nation.

Critics of the exercise argue that hosting warships from China, Russia, and Iran
may jeopardise the non-aligned foreign policy of South Africa. There are concerns
that such drills could strain diplomatic and economic relations with Western partners,
particularly the United States. Conversely, supporters of the initiative emphasise
that the manoeuvres focus on maritime safety, joint operations, and technical interoperability.
Led by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, the exercise utilises South
African training areas to address evolving maritime threats through a coordinated
multinational approach.

Admiral Emad Nejad Moridi, Commander of Iran’s Naval Task Force 103 and top commander
of Iranian forces in this exercise, emphasised that Iran’s participation reflects
its commitment to ensuring maritime peace and security in the region.

He stated that strengthening ties among friendly nations enhances collective capacity
to counter maritime threats and safeguard vital shipping lanes. The exercise, conducted
in two phases, coastal and maritime, includes diplomatic engagements, bilateral 
and multilateral meetings, and complex operational drills.

These phases include live-fire exercises against surface and aerial targets, rescue
operations for hijacked vessels, emergency aid, medical evacuation, and joint special
forces operations. With over 20 naval and air units from participating nations operating
in the Cape of Good Hope, the exercise signals a new era in combating piracy, terrorism,
and other maritime threats.

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### Tactical Evolution and Modernisation

Will for Peace 2026 represents a strategic evolution of previous trilateral engagements
known as [Exercises Mosi,](https://www.military.africa/2023/02/exercise-mosi-ii-underway-in-south-africa/)
held in 2019 and 2023. The South African Navy now classifies the event as a joint,
interagency, inter-departmental, and multinational exercise. During the opening 
ceremony, a Chinese naval official described the drills as a result of extensive
preparation by national leaders and legal experts. He noted that the exercise has
transitioned toward more pragmatic manoeuvres designed to meet the needs of the 
modern security environment.

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The modernisation of these drills focuses on what officials termed “new forces,”
referring to integrated capabilities that enhance the ability of joint forces to
manage complex maritime challenges. This includes an emphasis on professionalism
and mutual trust among the gathered officers and sailors. South Africa received 
praise for providing the comprehensive logistical and territorial support required
to execute an operation of this scale.

### Surface Combatants and Technical Specifications

The naval task force assembled in Simon’s Town features a diverse array of specialised
vessels. China has deployed the Tangshan (122), a Type 052DL guided-missile destroyer,
alongside the Type 903A replenishment ship Taihu (889). The Tangshan is a lengthened
variant of the Luyang III-class, featuring an extended flight deck designed to accommodate
the Harbin Z-20 helicopter. It carries a 64-cell Vertical Launching System (VLS)
capable of deploying HHQ-9 long-range surface-to-air missiles and YJ-18 anti-ship
cruise missiles. Its primary sensor is the Type 346A active electronically scanned
array (AESA) radar, which provides substantial air defence and tracking capabilities.

Russia’s contribution includes the Steregushchiy-class corvette _Stoikiy_ (F545).
This Project 20380 vessel is designed with stealth characteristics to reduce its
radar cross-section. It displaces approximately 2,200 tons and carries a Ka-27PL
anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter. The _Stoikiy_ is equipped with the Redut
VLS for air defence and Kh-35 anti-ship missiles. It is supported by the Altay-class
oiler _Yelnya_ (A168) to sustain operations far from its home port.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard
Corps are represented by three distinct platforms. The _Naghdi_ (82), a Bayandor-
class corvette, provides traditional surface combatant capabilities. More notable
are the forward base ship _Makran_ (441) and the expeditionary base ship _Shahid
Mahdavi_ (110-3). The _Makran_ is a converted oil tanker utilised as a mobile logistics
hub and carries an AB-212 ASW helicopter. The _Shahid Mahdavi_ features a 150-meter
flat deck capable of launching various unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters,
effectively serving as a floating sea base for long-range missions.

### South African Participation and Observer Status

The South African Navy has deployed the [Valour-class frigate _SAS Amatola_ (F145)](https://www.military.africa/2025/01/sas-amatola-begins-naval-patrol-after-extensive-refit/)
and the Warrior-class Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel (MMIPV) [_SAS King Adam Kok III_ (P1573).](https://www.military.africa/2025/04/armscor-delivers-third-and-final-mmipv-sas-adam-kok-iii-p1573/)
The _King Adam Kok III_ is a Damen Stan Patrol 6211 design featuring the Sea Axe
hull, which optimises sea-keeping in the rough waters of the Atlantic and Indian
Oceans. It is equipped with a Reutech Super Rogue 20 mm remote weapon station and
possesses the modularity to carry containerised mission assets for various constabulary
roles.

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A defining element of Will for Peace 2026 is the participation of newly expanded
BRICS Plus members. While the primary combatants belong to the four main partners,
several nations are present as observers. These include Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia,
Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE Navy’s Gowind-class corvette
_Bani Yas_ (P110) is present in Simon’s Town but is not participating in the active
drills. Notably absent is India, which participated in earlier iterations of the
Mosi series but did not deploy assets for this specific event.

For the SA National Defence Force, the exercise reinforces cooperative maritime 
engagement, builds mutual trust among participating forces, and supports efforts
to maintain secure sea lines of communication.

### Operational Objectives and Geopolitics

The planned activities include a live-fire exercise in the southern portion of False
Bay. Captain Ndwakhulu Thomas Thamaha, the Joint Task Force Commander, stated that
the operation is essential for resolving to work together in an increasingly complex
environment. The drills aim to improve collective responses to piracy, illegal border
crossings, and the protection of commercial shipping routes. General Rudzani Maphwanya,
Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), emphasised that the exercise
builds the trust necessary to ensure safe shipping for all maritime stakeholders.

Despite the focus on maritime safety, the inclusion of sanctioned or adversarial
naval forces continues to spark domestic and international tension. Opponents argue
that the political signalling of these drills undercuts South Africa’s neutrality.
Nevertheless, the participating nations appear committed to the framework. The PLA
Navy has already invited participants to Shanghai for the final planning conference
of the next BRICS Plus naval exercise, indicating that this multinational maritime
architecture will continue to expand.

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