The exercise is aimed at strengthening co-operation, maritime safety and the protection of key sea routes.
SA’s Department of Defence and Military Veterans confirmed that the exercise, titled Exercise Will for Peace 2026, will take place in Cape Town from January 9, 2026, to January 16, 2026. The operation will be led by the People’s Republic of China and will involve an intensive programme of joint drills at sea.
According to the Department, the exercise will focus on maritime safety operations, interoperability training and maritime protection serials. These activities are designed to enhance coordination among participating navies and improve their ability to respond collectively to security challenges at sea.
The Department noted that the expanded participation reflects the growing role of BRICS Plus in global and regional security co-operation.
Acting Senior Staff Officer for Operational Communication, Lieutenant Colonel Mpho Mathebula, explained that the participating nations jointly agreed on the theme of the exercise.
“This theme reflects the collective commitment of all participating navies to safeguard maritime trade routes, enhance shared operational procedures and deepen cooperation in support of peaceful maritime security initiatives,” Mathebula said.
The exercise comes at a time of heightened global focus on the security of international shipping lanes, particularly around strategic maritime corridors linking Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
