SOUTH AFRICA HOSTS READ II “WILL FOR PEACE 2026” COURTESY CALLS

South Africa’s National Defence Force (SANDF) continues to strengthen regional and global military cooperation through READ II Exercise: WILL FOR PEACE 2026, marked by a series of high-level courtesy call visits involving senior naval and defence leaders. The courtesy calls form a key diplomatic and operational pillar of the multinational exercise, which brings together partner nations to enhance maritime security, joint readiness, and interoperability at sea. Senior officers exchanged formal greetings, commemorative plaques, and strategic briefings, underscoring mutual respect and long-standing defence relationships. Exercise WILL FOR PEACE 2026 focuses on: Joint naval operations Maritime domain awareness Command and control coordination Search and rescue readiness Regional stability and peacekeeping support The presence of multiple uniformed services highlights South Africa’s role as a strategic maritime hub along critical sea lanes connecting the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. SAN Navy leadership emphasized that cooperation at sea is essential to counter modern threats such as piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing. Beyond drills and simulations, the exercise places strong emphasis on relationship-building and trust, with courtesy visits serving as platforms for dialogue on shared security challenges, doctrine alignment, and future collaboration. These engagements reinforce the principle that peace is best preserved through preparation, communication, and unity. The SANDF’s Joint Operations Division and SA Navy continue to demonstrate a commitment to professionalism, discipline, and multinational cooperation, aligning with the exercise themes #ToBeUnchallengedAtSea and #ToWinAtSea. As WILL FOR PEACE 2026 progresses, it sends a clear message: South Africa and its partners remain dedicated to safeguarding maritime routes, strengthening defence partnerships, and promoting stability across regional and international waters.