Russian-Chinese naval and air exercises in South Africa: show of force, choice of resources deployed, and geopolitical impact on the continent.
Summary
In January 2026, a multinational military exercise involving Russia, China, and South Africa began off the coast of South Africa and in the adjacent airspace. This maneuver, combining naval and air forces, goes beyond the scope of a simple tactical training exercise. It sends a clear political message to Pretoria’s traditional Western partners. The resources deployed, including multi-role fighters, maritime patrol aircraft, surface vessels, and joint command capabilities, demonstrate a high level of operational cooperation. For Moscow and Beijing, the objective is twofold: to demonstrate their ability to operate far from their bases and to strengthen their security influence in Africa. For South Africa, it is a question of asserting a non-aligned strategic posture while taking advantage of alternative military partnerships. The exercise reveals a gradual reshaping of the security balance on the African continent.
The general framework of exercises in South Africa
A geographical choice with significant implications
The choice of South Africa as the host country is not insignificant. The country has the most structured navy in sub-Saharan Africa and an air force capable of conducting credible combined operations. The exercise areas, located between the Indian Ocean and the South Atlantic, offer an ideal environment for medium-intensity naval maneuvers and long-range air operations.
Politically, Pretoria has for several years been advocating a policy of “balanced diplomacy,” seeking to avoid exclusive dependence on Western partners. By welcoming Russian and Chinese forces, South Africa is assuming an autonomous strategic posture, even if it means causing diplomatic tensions with the United States and several European countries.
A message to Western partners
These maneuvers are taking place in a tense international context. Relations between Russia and the Western powers remain strained, while China is pursuing a policy of expanding its military influence outside Asia. In Africa, these two actors are seeking to establish themselves as credible alternatives to Western security cooperation.
The January 2026 exercise therefore serves as a showcase. It demonstrates that Moscow and Beijing can project forces, coordinate their actions, and operate with a major African partner without Western logistical support.
Air assets involved in the exercise
Russian aircraft and their operational roles
Russia deployed 4++ generation multi-role combat aircraft, suitable for naval support and regional air superiority missions. These aircraft were used for air patrol missions, escorting surface vessels, and simulating anti-ship strikes.
Military transport aircraft were also mobilized for rapid projection and logistical support scenarios. Their presence illustrates Russia’s ability to support limited expeditionary operations, despite the constraints imposed by international sanctions.
Chinese air capabilities on display
China showcased modern multi-role combat aircraft optimized for interoperability with naval forces. Reconnaissance, target designation, and air-sea coordination missions were conducted, highlighting the technological advancement of Chinese aviation.
Maritime patrol aircraft also participated in the exercises, underscoring Beijing’s growing interest in securing African sea lanes. This capability is directly linked to China’s economic interests on the continent, particularly trade and energy flows.
The role of the South African Air Force
The South African Air Force deployed its Gripen multi-role fighters, which are used for air policing, air combat training, and coordination with foreign forces. Despite ongoing budget constraints, these aircraft provide a modern and credible platform for multinational exercises.
South Africa has also mobilized transport and surveillance aircraft, which are essential for airspace management and combined operations command.
Naval components and air-sea coordination
Surface vessels deployed
On the naval front, several Russian and Chinese frigates and support vessels have been deployed. These ships participated in air defense, anti-surface warfare, and maritime convoy protection exercises. The South African Navy played a facilitating role, providing local coordination and knowledge of the maritime environment.
These maneuvers provided an opportunity to test common communication procedures and assess the compatibility of command and control systems.
Integration of air and naval assets
One of the key points of the exercise was air-sea coordination. The scenarios included the designation of targets by patrol aircraft, relayed to surface vessels, as well as simulations of coordinated strikes. This type of training reveals a higher level of operational maturity than simple presence exercises.
It demonstrates the participants’ willingness to develop joint capabilities adapted to maritime security and regional deterrence operations.
What these maneuvers demonstrate on a military level
Interoperability is improving but still limited
The exercises show that Russia and China are capable of working together in a multinational framework, but also that this cooperation remains largely scripted. Doctrines, chains of command, and technical standards still differ significantly.
Nevertheless, the ability to conduct complex exercises far from their respective bases is a notable step forward, particularly for China, whose operational experience abroad remains recent.
A demonstration of credibility rather than superiority
The aim here is not to demonstrate overall military superiority, but rather a credible capacity for projection and cooperation. The message is primarily political. Moscow and Beijing are showing that they are present, active, and capable of offering an alternative security option on the African continent.
The impact of China and Russia in Africa
A long-term strategy of influence
For China, these exercises are part of an overall strategy to expand its military influence in support of its economic interests. Logistical bases, arms sales, military training: there are many levers at its disposal. Africa is becoming a training ground for increasingly complex external operations.
Russia, for its part, is seeking to maintain and expand its network of military partnerships, despite its more limited economic capacity. Joint exercises enhance its visibility and credibility with African countries seeking to diversify their alliances.
The consequences for Western partners
These maneuvers reinforce the concerns of South Africa’s traditional Western partners. They reflect a relative loss of influence and a questioning of the frameworks for cooperation inherited from previous decades.
For Europe and the United States, the stakes are not only military. They are also diplomatic and economic. Competition with China and Russia is now playing out on several fronts, including security cooperation.
The limits and risks of this strategic realignment
Cooperation still dependent on the political context
Military cooperation between Russia, China, and South Africa is largely based on temporary political convergences.
Differences in interests remain, particularly in the long term. South Africa must contend with its international commitments and external economic pressures.
Furthermore, dependence on non-Western partners can create new vulnerabilities, particularly in terms of maintenance, training, and access to critical technologies.
A strong but not irreversible signal
These exercises do not signify a definitive break with the West. Rather, they illustrate a strategy of diversification of partnerships. South Africa is seeking to maximize its room for maneuver, while sending a clear message: the African continent is no longer a reserved strategic space.
Western powers still have major assets, but will now have to contend with more structured and visible competition.
Africa has become a battleground for global rivalries
The multinational exercises in South Africa in January 2026 mark a symbolic milestone. They confirm that the African continent is now a space where rivalries between major powers are fully expressed. The involvement of Russian and Chinese air and naval assets, alongside a major African player, illustrates a gradual shift in the security balance.
For African countries, this situation offers opportunities, but also increased responsibilities. Choosing military partners is no longer a neutral act. It commits countries to long-term political, industrial, and strategic trajectories in an increasingly fragmented international environment.
Sources
- Press releases from the Russian, Chinese, and South African ministries of defense
- Official diplomatic statements from January 2026
- Strategic analyses of Chinese military presence in Africa
- Reports from African and European think tanks on South-South military cooperation
- Public data on the air and naval forces involved in the exercises
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