The big guns have arrived: China-led naval Exercise Will for Peace starts in South African waters
Senior SANDF leadership, including Joint Operations Headquarters commander Major General Godfrey Thulare, conducted briefings and walkabouts at Simon’s Town Naval Base on January 8, ahead of the China-led Exercise Will for Peace 2026, which runs from Friday until January 16 in South African waters.
Image: File
A China-led edition of the multinational naval exercise involving navies from BRICS Plus countries begins today in South African waters, with major foreign warships now operating off the country’s coastline.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed that Exercise Will for Peace 2026 will run from 9 to 16 January, bringing together participating navies for joint maritime safety operations, interoperability drills and maritime protection serials.
This year's edition of the exercise is led by the People's Republic of China, with South Africa acting as host nation.
According to maritime tracking reports and defence observers, Iran’s largest naval vessel has arrived off Cape Town, while Chinese and Russian warships are also participating in joint drills in South African waters. SANDF has not officially disclosed the names or number of vessels involved.
Participating nations have jointly adopted the theme “Joint Actions to Ensure the Safety of Shipping and Maritime Economic Activities,” which SANDF says reflects a collective commitment to safeguarding maritime trade routes and strengthening shared operational procedures.
Preparations for the exercise have been under way at key naval facilities, including Simon's Town Naval Base, where senior SANDF leadership conducted readiness inspections ahead of the start of operations.
A general view of (L-R) the Chinese guided-missile destroyer Tangshan (Hull 122), the Iranian navy ship, the IRIS Makran 441, Chinese comprehensive supply ship Taihu (Hull 889) in the Simon's Town harbour. The Chinese lead Will For Peace 2026 exercise 2026 brings together navies from BRICS Plus countries for joint maritime safety operations.
Image: AFP
While the current exercise has drawn international attention because of the countries involved, South Africa has a long history of hosting and participating in multinational naval drills with a wide range of partners.
In previous years, the SANDF has participated in joint maritime exercises with the United States of America, including drills focused on maritime security, search-and-rescue operations, and counter-piracy, as well as exercises with regional African navies under initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
Members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) gearing for Exercise Will of Peace 2026
Image: SANDF
Defence officials have previously said such exercises form part of routine military cooperation and skills development, and are intended to improve interoperability and readiness rather than signal political alignment.
Exercise Will for Peace 2026 comes amid heightened global geopolitical tensions and renewed scrutiny of South Africa’s stated non-aligned foreign policy stance, particularly as it balances military cooperation with a range of global and regional partners.
SANDF said further details about the exercise will be communicated through subsequent briefings.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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