BRICS Naval Drills Test South Africa-US Ties

South Africa (SA) has launched “Will for Peace 2026”, a week of naval exercises led by China and featuring Russian and Iranian warships.

The joint operations include Chinese and Iranian destroyers alongside Russian corvettes, as well as a Valour-class frigate from SA. While the SA government describes the drills as “essential” for maritime security, the move has ignited domestic and international criticism.

South Africa’s Deputy Defence Minister, Bantu Holomisa, dismissed concerns regarding the timing and participants, stating: “Let us not press panic buttons because the United States of America has got a problem with [the participating] countries. Those are not our enemies.”

However, the Democratic Alliance, a partner in the Government of National Unity, condemned the drills. Spokesperson Chris Hattingh argued that training with sanctioned forces “cannot be described as neutral or non-aligned. It is a political choice, whether the government admits it or not.”

The manoeuvres coincide with a historic low in US-South Africa relations. President Donald Trump has previously threatened BRICS (originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) members with a “10% trade tariff” due to perceived “anti-American” policies.

Analysts warn that while the drills aim to “ensure the safety of shipping”, the economic fallout could be severe. As Professor William Gumede noted, “South Africa will be the biggest loser” if its foreign policy remains unreconciled with that of the US.

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