South Africa is poised to host a major multinational naval exercise, “Exercise Will For Peace 2026,” in its waters from January 9 to 16, an event already drawing sharp criticism from defense analysts who question its timing, participants, and underlying message.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed the exercise will be led by China and involve BRICS Plus nations, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The stated theme is “joint action to ensure safety of shipping and maritime economic activities.”
However, the participation of nations actively engaged in or threatening regional conflicts has sparked a wave of scepticism. Defence analyst Ricardo Teixeira of the Institute of Race Relations offered a stark assessment, calling the exercise’s title “ironic” and its purpose “alarming.”
“China is conducting exercise ‘Justice,’ a rehearsal for action against Taiwan. Russia is engaged in an invasion of their neighbour. Iran’s president said they are at war with the West,” Teixeira stated. “It’s a little bit ironic to say that this is ‘will for peace’.”
Teixeira challenged the fundamental logic of a BRICS military exercise, noting the bloc is a political, not military, alliance. He pointed out the participating nations share no common military doctrine, mandates, equipment, or language. “It’s a bit strange… I think it’s a bit alarming,” he said.
The analyst raised specific concerns about South Africa’s role as the sole democracy in the grouping, suggesting the involvement contradicts the nation’s stated principles and non-alignment policy. “We say we’re not aligned, but this is very clearly showing some sort of allegiance,” Teixeira argued. “You could call it a modern-day axis… countries that are openly engaged in hostilities towards western countries.”
Questioning the maritime security rationale, Teixeira highlighted the records of several participants. “Iran has destabilized its region and international shipping routes… particularly the Houthis, who are actively threatening global shipping. To say this is to secure global shipping is very, very hypocritical,” he said.
On practical benefits for South Africa’s stretched navy, Teixeira was dismissive. While acknowledging any sea time is beneficial, he noted the SANDF’s naval readiness is in decline, likely limiting its contribution to a single frigate with limited operational capacity. “In my opinion, this is nothing more than a pompom exercise. It’s going to be a glorified naval parade,” he stated.
He contrasted the exercise with more logical regional partnerships, such as potential drills with the Kenyan Navy or the existing IBSAMAR exercise with India and Brazil. “We need to be exercising with countries that we operate with in our naval domain… We don’t operate alongside Iran, China or Russia,” Teixeira concluded.
The analyst framed the drill as a potent political signal. “It sends an alarming message… if the world goes towards large-scale combat operations… what side are we going to find ourselves on? Because right now it looks very clear which side we’re going to be on, and that’s not the side of democracy and human rights.”
The South African government has yet to publicly respond to these specific criticisms. The upcoming exercise places the country’s foreign policy and strategic partnerships under intense international scrutiny as global tensions remain high.