Russian Navy's frigate Neustrashimy joins South African Navy Festival.

According to information published by Russian sources on October 5, 2024, the Russian Navy's frigate Neustrashimy made an appearance at the South African Navy Festival, held from October 4-6, 2024, in Simon’s Town.
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Russian Project 11540 Yastreb frigate Neustrashimy. (Picture source: South African Defense Forces)

The vessel, accompanied by the replenishment ship Akademik Pashin, docked in Cape Town on October 3 as part of the international naval presence at the event. This year’s festival saw participation from several nations, including China, which sent its Type 54A frigate CNS Xuchang.

The arrival of the Neustrashimy, a Baltic Fleet frigate, and the Chinese warships is seen by some as a signal of deepening naval cooperation among BRICS nations. However, the participation of the Russian warship has stirred diplomatic controversy, particularly in light of Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Critics, including the Ukrainian Association of South Africa, expressed concerns that such invitations implicitly support Russia’s military actions.

BRICS

Naval cooperation within the BRICS group, particularly between China, Russia, and South Africa, has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting a broader trend of military collaboration among BRICS nations. This cooperation is primarily focused on joint naval exercises, enhancing maritime security, and extending influence across key strategic waterways.

For example, China and Russia have regularly conducted joint naval drills, which have expanded in scale. These exercises are not just limited to bilateral engagements but often include other BRICS members like South Africa. One notable instance is the Mosi series of naval exercises, where China, Russia, and South Africa conduct operations aimed at improving maritime security and operational interoperability. The latest iteration occurred off South Africa's coast.

Additionally, China and Russia’s naval engagements extend to collaborations with non-BRICS nations like Iran, conducting large-scale drills in the Gulf of Oman. These exercises showcase their growing ability to project power across the Indian Ocean, particularly in regions critical to global shipping routes. The focus of these drills has often been on anti-piracy operations, search and rescue missions, and broader maritime security.