Iran, Russia and China have launched joint naval exercises off the coast of South Africa, signalling deeper military coordination among the three powers at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and growing divisions between global blocs.
The drills, which also involve South Africa as host, are taking place in the Indian Ocean and are being framed by participating nations as routine maritime cooperation aimed at improving security, search-and-rescue operations and interoperability. However, the timing and composition of the exercise have drawn international attention, coming amid strained relations between the West and several members of the grouping.
According to officials familiar with the operation, the exercises include surface combat drills, formation manoeuvres and simulated maritime security operations. Warships from China and Iran arrived at South African ports earlier this week, while Russia deployed naval assets despite its ongoing military commitments elsewhere.
China, Russia and South Africa are all members of the BRICS bloc, which has increasingly positioned itself as a counterweight to Western-led political and economic institutions. Iran, which formally joined BRICS recently, has been expanding its military diplomacy with both Moscow and Beijing as it faces continued sanctions and pressure from the United States and its allies.
South African defence authorities said the drills are consistent with the country’s non-aligned foreign policy and longstanding practice of engaging multiple global partners. Pretoria has repeatedly defended similar exercises in the past, arguing that they do not signal hostility toward any country.
Critics, however, see the drills as politically charged. Western governments and analysts have raised concerns that such exercises project unity among states that are often at odds with NATO and the broader Western alliance, particularly as conflicts persist in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
For China, the exercises reinforce its growing naval presence in key sea lanes linking Africa, Asia and the Middle East, while for Russia, they offer a platform to demonstrate continued global reach despite diplomatic and economic isolation. Iran’s participation underscores its ambition to be seen as a credible maritime and military power beyond its immediate region.
The drills are expected to conclude later this week, with officials from the participating countries describing them as a success and hinting at the possibility of expanded cooperation in future exercises.
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