Simon’s Town, South Africa | 9 January 2026
A multinational naval exercise involving BRICS member states commenced in South African waters on 9 January 2026. The exercise, formally named “Will for Peace 2026,” is scheduled to conclude on 16 January 2026 [1][2].
The maritime exercise is hosted by South Africa and features the active participation of naval forces from China, Russia and South Africa [2]. The exercise brings together navies from BRICS Plus countries under the agreed theme: “Joint Actions to Ensure the Safety of Shipping and Maritime Economic Activities” [1].
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed the exercise includes two main phases. The first is a port and shore operations phase from 9 to 12 January, featuring an opening ceremony, professional exchanges, and cultural events [2]. This will be followed by an at-sea operational phase from 13 to 15 January, conducted in the waters off Simon’s Town [2].
According to the Chinese Ministry of National Defence, the drills in the sea phase will include joint operations focused on communication, formation manoeuvres, maritime strike procedures, hijacked vessel rescue, and helicopter-borne patient transfer [2]. The activities are designed to enhance interoperability and the collective capacity of participating navies to address maritime threats [2].
The participating Chinese naval force, selected from the 48th Chinese naval escort taskforce, includes the guided-missile destroyer Tangshan (Hull 122) and the comprehensive supply ship Taihu (Hull 889), along with a ship-borne helicopter and special operations troops [2].
The exercise aims to deepen military exchanges and cooperation among the participating nations and contribute to safeguarding regional peace and stability [2]. The “Will for Peace 2026” exercise will conclude with a closing ceremony on 16 January 2026 [2].
References:
- Government of South Africa. “Defence hosts Exercise Will for Peace 2026, 9 to 16 Jan.” www.gov.za, 30 Dec. 2025, https://www.gov.za/news/media-advisories/government-activities/defence-hosts-exercise-will-peace-2026-9-16-jan-30-dec.
- “Joint maritime exercise ‘Will for Peace 2026’ kicks off.” Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China, 12 Jan. 2026, http://eng.mod.gov.cn/2025xb/N/JE/16437077.html.
