Terror on the seas: Iran strengthens cooperation with BRICS – Sends two armadas to South African military exercises

Iran continues to deepen its military cooperation with international and regional organizations, sending two armadas to South Africa for the BRICS countries' military exercises.

Participation in BRICS exercises

A senior Iranian commander announced that the 103rd and 104th squadrons of the Iranian Army Navy (Artesh) have departed for South Africa. "In the context of implementing the Leader's directives and strengthening defense and maritime diplomacy, Squadron 103 will participate in the BRICS military exercises," stated Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Iranian Army Navy. The other armada has been tasked with a mission to escort commercial vessels. "By utilizing domestic capabilities, experience in extra-regional operations, and a continuous presence on the High Seas, the Navy has become one of the influential players in the field of maritime security within the region and beyond," the Admiral added.

International cooperation and strategic self-reliance

The Iranian Navy will participate alongside other BRICS nations in a major multinational naval exercise hosted by South Africa. The preparatory meeting for the joint BRICS naval exercise was held in early September in Cape Town, with representatives from Russia, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran.

International exercises with BRICS countries are not only a training opportunity but also a security strategy that allows Iran to independently strengthen its military capabilities—scientifically and practically—using domestic resources. Within the framework of its "strategic resistance," Iran aims to guarantee national security against multidimensional threats.

Further military cooperation

Iran has also strengthened its military and defense cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Weeks ago, the Ground Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) hosted a significant counter-terrorism exercise titled Sahand-2025 in East Azerbaijan province, northwestern Iran, with the participation of all SCO member states. The exercise lasted five days, starting December 1, and aimed to strengthen international cooperation against terrorism and upgrade the capabilities of participating countries in addressing regional security threats.

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