The frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov, via TASS.
Posted on 01/24/2023 9:25:12 AM PST by SeekAndFind
The Russian navy is set to participate alongside the Chinese and South African navies in exercises set for February off South Africa, Russia’s state TASS has announced.
Importantly, the Russian frigate named ‘Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov’ is armed with hypersonic cruise missiles, after it entered deployment in the Atlantic Ocean three weeks ago.
The frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov, via TASS.
The Zircon hyperonics it is carrying are believed to be able to fly at nine times the speed of sound, with a range of over 620 miles. The ship is expected to traverse the Mediterranean, making its way to Russia’s port at Tartus, before heading south.
“‘Admiral Gorshkov’ … will go to the logistic support point in Syria’s Tartus, and then take part in joint naval exercises with the Chinese and South African navies,” TASS reported.
The South African National Defense Force has also confirmed the drills, which will run February 17-26 and be located off the port cities Durban and Richards Bay, describing that the exercise aims “to strengthen the already flourishing relations between South Africa, Russia and China.”
The South African military also pointed out it will be the second joint drills involving the three countries, after a 2019 exercise.
Interestingly, the timing of the new drills will correspond with the one year anniversary of Russia’s Feb.24 invasion of Ukraine. Given that it remains a US ally, South Africa is coming under heavy criticism for hosting the drills, and for also allowing Russian warships at its ports.
South Africa had been among the some three dozen countries to abstain from a UN vote last year to condemn Russia’s annexation over the four eastern Ukrainian territories.
The New York Times reported of the US reaction as follows:
The United States, which has fostered a decades-long strategic partnership with South Africa, immediately expressed disapproval. David Feldmann, a spokesman for the United States Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, said in a statement, “We note with concern” the plan by South Africa to move ahead with the joint exercises “even as Moscow continues its brutal and unlawful invasion of Ukraine.”
“We encourage South Africa to cooperate militarily with fellow democracies that share our mutual commitment to human rights and the rule of law.” Feldmann said further.
The NY Times further notes on the significance of South Africa’s defiant and independent stance: “The naval drill is a show of diplomatic independence for South Africa, analysts said.” And further, “South Africa is part of an alliance with Brazil, Russia, India and China — known by the acronym BRICS — and this naval exercise reasserts South Africa’s position that it will not allow the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to dictate its diplomatic relations.”
Wouldn’t this put the South Africans in a good position to gauge their strengths and weaknesses? Perhaps SA is our alter ego in this deal.
The guy on the right makes more sense
Nobody wants to be ruled by Sodom and Gomorrah.
The leftist nutjobs infesting our government have forgotten that America has an easier time leading the world when the world looked up to them. Now that America is pervert central the rest of the world is asking “WTF?” and looking for alternatives.
It looks like the Ukraine War is eroding America's leadership in world affairs. Biden is cocking this thing up like everything else he touches.
This is what happens in every African nation when white folks are completely removed from the hall of governance . Corruption and Communist influence quickly seep in and change everything . But that’s what black Africans seem to want ; total black governance, at whatever cost . Time will tell.
This "photo-op" didn't turn out so well.
"Baby, I am not from Havana!"
LOL! I remember that! Mike is thinking, “If he ain’t gelded yet, he will be when I get through with him!”
If looks could kill...
“It looks like the Ukraine War is eroding America’s leadership in world affairs. Biden is cocking this thing up like everything else he touches.”
Actually, it began in earnest in 2009 with Obama. (Yeah, Biden was VP, but he was just a potted plant in the Obama administration: Intentionally knee-capping the United States was all Obama.)
Started with Bush’s lies regarding the Iraq War.
“Started with Bush’s lies regarding the Iraq War.”
Hell, we can also say it started with Bill Clinton, who was not taken seriously by anyone.
Can somebody show me where and how South Africa is an ally of the US?
And “parasitic receiver of foreign aid” doesn’t count.
Allies come and allies go. Or are driven away.
Mandela’s Communist legacy is coming to fruition. A blind man could have seen this coming.
You seem pleased with this, you like this alliance?
“”Why should the UN Bristle - do they Bristle when we have Joint Drills with Nations? or put Military Bases throughout the World? “”
Nice defense of Red China Russia and S. Africa, and put-down of America.
I never expected to see such a thing on FR, but this kind of anti-Americanism is being sprinkled around here recently.
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