South Africa will host naval exercises with China, Russia, and Iran in January, focusing on maritime trade protection. The exercises, dubbed “Exercise Will for Peace 2026” or Mosi III, are scheduled to take place in South African waters from January 9 to 16.
South Africa to Host Joint Naval Drills
The upcoming exercise will be led by China and aims to facilitate “joint actions to ensure the safety of shipping and maritime economic activities,” according to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The theme reflects a commitment to safeguarding trade routes and enhancing cooperation for peaceful maritime security.
Defence Agreements Since 2020
While BRICS nations do not have a formal military pact, several bilateral defence agreements are in place. South Africa currently has pending agreements with both Russia and China, alongside other agreements with various nations.
The Department of Defence (DoD) confirmed nine defence agreements signed in the last five years, excluding those with multi-national organizations. These agreements include partnerships with four African nations, two European nations, and one other Asian nation.
Agreements with Ivory Coast and Burundi were signed in December 2021 and June 2023, respectively. A memorandum of understanding was signed with Lesotho in May 2025, and a defence training and technical cooperation agreement with Ghana in February 2023.
In Europe, South Africa has a defence cooperation agreement with Portugal, signed in June 2023, and a letter of intent with the Netherlands, signed in October 2023, for cooperation, training, and education. An MOU with Indonesia for “cooperation activities” was signed in August 2023.
Some Agreements Not Yet Tabled in Parliament
South Africa’s agreement with Russia, signed in June 2021, covers the maintenance, repair, modernization, and modification of helicopters. The deal with China, under Project Zingisa, is valued at 100 million RMB Yuan (approximately R236 million) and is intended for the refurbishment of De Brug in Bloemfontein and other SANDF needs.
The DoD stated that the agreement with China has not yet been tabled in parliament, while the Russian deal is still in the process of being tabled. All other listed agreements, except for the deal with Lesotho, have been tabled.
These agreements generally establish frameworks for defence cooperation, including training exercises, high-level visits, information sharing, and capacity building.
State Security Agency Was Not Consulted
The DoD clarified that the agreements do not specify monetary commitments, except for the deal with China. Financial implications are absorbed within the department’s existing budget.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) was consulted prior to signing the agreements to ensure compliance with international legal obligations. However, National Treasury and the State Security Agency (SSA) were not consulted.
The DoD stated that key stakeholders in the consultation process were the Presidency, DIRCO, and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
