Concerns mount over SANDF’s drills with BRICS Plus militaries

THE DA has raised concerns about South Africa hosting the joint naval exercise, called Will for Peace 2026, with other countries of the BRICS Plus group later this month.

- MAYIBONGWE.MAGHINA

This comes after the SANDF earlier this week announced that China will lead the Joint Interagency, Interdepartmental, Multinational Exercise that will be hosted in South African waters from January 9 to 16.

“Exercise Will for Peace 2026 brings together navies from BRICS Plus countries for an intensive programme of joint maritime safety operations, interoperability drills and maritime protection serials,” said a statement issued by Brigadier General Nditsheni Singo, acting general officer Commanding Joint Operational Headquarters.

Singo also said the participating nations — which include South Africa, China, Russia and Iran — have jointly agreed on the exercise theme, “Joint Actions to Ensure the Safety of Shipping and Maritime Economic Activities”.