BRICS Launches First Joint Naval Drill in Show of Emerging Military Alignment

DID Press: BRICS member states have begun their first-ever multilateral military exercise, marking a new phase of security coordination among the bloc. The naval drill, titled “Operation Will for Peace 2026,” is being held from 9–16 January under China’s leadership in waters off South Africa.

China, Russia, South Africa, Iran, Indonesia, and Ethiopia are participating in the exercise, which focuses on maritime security, naval coordination, and the protection of commercial shipping lanes.

China and Russia have deployed warships to the area, while Iran is participating with the 103rd naval fleet, including the Shahid Naghdi frigate and the Makran support vessel.

Observers say the exercise represents a significant step toward building a new security architecture within the BRICS framework and reflects the group’s growing ambition to cooperate beyond economics and diplomacy.