China Leads Warships From Russia and Iran in Show of Force Near South Africa’s Key Trade Route

Naval forces from China, Russia, Iran, and South Africa have launched a multinational maritime exercise near one of the world’s key shipping corridors, signaling a coordinated demonstration of naval capability outside of traditional Western-led frameworks.

According to Army Recognition on January 10, the China-led exercise, named Will for Peace 2026, is being held from January 9 to 16 in South African territorial waters, particularly around Simon’s Town and False Bay.

The drill involves ships and crews from the four participating countries and is officially focused on ensuring the safety of maritime economic activity and improving interoperability among naval forces.

The South African government confirmed the event in a statement issued on December 30, 2025. The exercise is described as a joint action to secure sea lanes and build capacity for maritime security.

While framed as technical training, the scale and composition of forces suggest a broader strategic message, particularly given the location near the Cape sea lane—an alternative to the Suez Canal when access to the Red Sea is disrupted.

China’s navy is leading the exercise, deploying the guided-missile destroyer Tangshan and the replenishment ship Taihu. As Army Recognition reports, Tangshan brings command-and-control capabilities along with layered air-defense systems, while Taihu enables extended operational endurance at sea.

Russia has contributed the Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoikiy (hull number 545), along with the fleet tanker Yelnya, according to images and details confirmed by the Russian Embassy in South Africa.

The embassy emphasized that the drills would focus on “maritime security and safe navigation.” The Stoikiy specializes in surface and limited air-defense missions, while Yelnya supports at-sea logistics operations.

Iran’s presence in the drill includes the forward base ship Makran and the patrol combatant Naghdi. Visual documentation reviewed by Army Recognition shows Makran operating alongside the other ships, signaling Iran’s ability to maintain naval presence far from its home waters.

The ship’s helicopter deck and support capabilities make it suitable for rescue and medical support during extended maritime operations.

As the host nation, South Africa provides the regional framework for the event, with operations centered around Simon’s Town—the main base of the South African Navy. While the South African military has not disclosed the number of vessels involved, previous China–Russia–South Africa exercises have typically included navigation drills and coordinated patrols.

Earlier, China, Iran, and Russia held joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz as part of the “Maritime Security Belt 2025” exercise. According to AP, the drills included live-fire exercises, search and rescue operations, and maritime strike simulations, with observers from multiple regional countries.

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