South Africa to host Russia and China naval exercises

Soth Africa will host Russia and China naval exercises next months in the waters near Cape Town, in what appears as the latest manifestation of changing geopolitical power dynamics in the continent.

The exercise will focus on the maritime economy, inter-operability and mending relations between participating navies.

The main planning conference was held at SA Navy headquarters in Simon’s Town before the first joint naval exercise between China, Russia, and South Africa.

More than 40 senior officers including Rear Admiral Tskhui Yuzhong of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Rear Admiral Vladimir Zemskov of the Russian Federation Navy (RFN) were present and welcomed by Rear Admiral Bubele Mhlana, South African Flag Officer Fleet (FOF).

The exercise, called Mosi, will take place in November, some six weeks away.

No information on participating ships, aircraft and other forces, such as marines, had been released when published.

According to the SA Navy website, the exercise aim is to develop and strengthen relations and friendly cooperation between the three countries ‘ armed forces.

Defence Insight Analysis

Mosi is the only maritime exercise the South African maritime service will take part this year as the Oxide exercises were postponed with the French naval forces in the Indian Ocean and Good Hope with the German Navy. Exercise Oxide will be staged next year with Exercise Good Hope, currently set for 2022.

Rescheduling is by mutual agreement between involved countries.