Cape Town– South Africa is in talks with its BRICS partners to postpone joint naval exercises originally scheduled for November, citing the heavy logistical and security demands of hosting the G20 Summit later that month.

The exercises, normally held every two years and rotated among BRICS members, were to take place under Chinese leadership in South African waters. Officials say the Defence Department, the Presidency and the Department of International Relations are working to find a new date that avoids clashing with the summit in Johannesburg.

A Growing Bloc

BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – has traditionally used these drills to showcase military cooperation and maritime security. This year, however, the exercises were set to expand with the invitation of Iran, alongside representatives from Ethiopia and Indonesia who attended the preparatory meetings in Cape Town.

Iran’s delegation described its participation as a gesture of unity and support for international peace at sea. Analysts note that the inclusion of Tehran signals the group’s willingness to widen its partnerships beyond its five founding members.

Not the First, but the Most Watched

South Africa has hosted such operations before. The first, in 2019, was a modest trilateral drill off Cape Town. A larger event followed in early 2023 near Durban and Richards Bay, where Russian, Chinese and South African navies trained together in gunnery, air defence and coordination.

This year’s exercise would have been the third and most politically sensitive, coming amid heightened global tensions and shortly before world leaders gather for the G20.

A Balancing Act

Officials stress that the postponement request is not a cancellation. Instead, it reflects South Africa’s dual responsibility: strengthening military ties within BRICS while ensuring a successful G20 summit. With President Xi Jinping expected in Johannesburg and other global leaders set to attend, security resources will already be stretched to their limits.

Whether the drills are shifted to later this year or into 2026 remains unclear. For now, Pretoria is signalling that while BRICS defence cooperation remains a priority, the G20 takes precedence.