By: Isaac Kwabena Boadu Date: 8th January, 2026
The BRICS bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with new members Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates, is set to launch its first defense cooperation initiative. A joint naval exercise, dubbed “Exercise Will for Peace 2026,” will take place from January 9 to 16, 2026, in South African waters off Cape Town.
China will lead the exercise, which aims to promote maritime security, interoperability, and cooperation among participating nations. The event will feature navies from multiple BRICS Plus countries, including Russia, Iran, and Indonesia. The exercise is expected to enhance collective security and promote peaceful maritime initiatives.
This move marks a significant shift in BRICS’ focus, as it expands its cooperation beyond economic and political spheres to include defense and security. The exercise is likely to raise concerns in Western nations, particularly given the involvement of countries like Iran and Russia.
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