South Africa is set to welcome naval forces from China, Russia, and Iran for a week-long maritime trade protection exercise in January. This exercise, dubbed the “Exercise Will for Peace 2026” or Mosi III, marks the third iteration of such drills involving South Africa, following similar exercises held in 2019 and 2023.
The upcoming exercise will take place from January 9 to 16 in South African waters, with China taking the lead. The primary focus will be on “joint actions to ensure the safety of shipping and maritime economic activities.” The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has highlighted that this initiative represents a collective commitment among the participating nations to safeguard vital maritime trade routes, enhance cooperation, and promote peaceful maritime security endeavors.
Despite the absence of a formal military pact among BRICS nations, various bilateral defense agreements have been established since 2020. The Centre for European Policy Analysis highlights the complex cooperation between Russia and China, as South Africa continues to forge its own defense partnerships, including agreements with several African, European, and Asian countries.
In a recent parliamentary session, the South African Department of Defence (DoD) disclosed that it had signed nine defense agreements over the past five years. These agreements include partnerships with countries like Ivory Coast, Burundi, Ghana, Portugal, and Indonesia, aimed at enhancing regional security and cooperation.
Notably, the agreement with Russia, signed in June 2021, focuses on the maintenance and modernization of helicopters, while the deal with China, part of Project Zingisa, involves defence cooperation costing approximately R236 million. However, the funding details for some agreements remain undisclosed, with the ministry clarifying that the financial implications will be managed within the existing departmental budget.
The DoD has faced scrutiny over its consultation processes regarding these agreements, stating that it engaged with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) but did not consult the National Treasury or the State Security Agency (SSA) during the signing process.
As these naval exercises approach, the discussions around them are expected to spark national debate, reflecting South Africa’s evolving role within international defense collaborations, especially amidst growing geopolitical tensions. The exercise emphasizes the importance of regional safety and could potentially offer a platform for strengthened international maritime cooperation.