The South African Navy (SAN) has marked a historic milestone with the departure of frigate SAS Amatola on 25 January for India, the first foreign deployment by the SA Navy in ten years. The deployment underscores South Africa’s renewed focus on naval diplomacy and international engagement after years of budget constraints and operational challenges.
During her voyage, SAS Amatola will participate in two major Indian Navy-hosted events in Visakhapatnam: the International Fleet Review (IFR) and Exercise MILAN 2026. Both gatherings bring together naval forces from over 100 countries, providing a platform to showcase modern naval capabilities and strengthen multilateral maritime cooperation. A key highlight of the IFR will be INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier.
Exercise MILAN will see SAS Amatola operate alongside international fleets in complex scenarios covering interoperability, maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, air defence, search and rescue and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The exercise will also feature emerging technologies including unmanned systems, autonomous vessels and AI-based maritime awareness.
Senior naval leaders, including Vice-Admiral Monde Lobese, South Africa’s Chief of the Navy, will attend the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs, where discussions will focus on maritime security, disaster response and information sharing.
SAS Amatola’s deployment follows her last overseas mission in 2017 to the United Kingdom, where she commemorated the sinking of the SS Mendi. This latest voyage signifies the SAN’s commitment to maintaining a capable and globally engaged naval presence, demonstrating South Africa’s strategic relevance in the Indian Ocean region.
