Will for Peace 2026: China Leads First-Ever BRICS Plus Naval Drills

The era of a multi-polar military alliance is moving from rhetoric to the open sea. China is set to lead a major naval exercise with BRICS Plus nations in South African waters next week, marking the bloc's first-ever formal defense cooperation.

Strategic Significance of the BRICS joint naval drill 2026

According to the South China Morning Post, the exercise—dubbed 'Will for Peace 2026'—will take place from January 9 to 16. The South African National Defence Force confirmed the drills will focus on maritime safety operations, interoperability, and the protection of trade routes.

While China takes the lead, the participation of the Russian and Iranian navies has already raised alarm bells in Washington. Other likely participants include Indonesia and Ethiopia, reflecting the expanded reach of the Brics Plus framework.

A New Chapter for Brics Plus Cooperation

Originally an economic bloc of emerging markets, BRICS has significantly expanded its influence since 2023. The inclusion of nations like the UAE and Egypt suggests a broader agenda that now encompasses regional security and military diplomacy, challenging the traditional Western-led maritime order.