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Two Russian warships, the Stoykiy (F545) and Yelnya (A168), docked in Walvis Bay, Namibia, from December 28 to 31, 2025, for resupply before participating in a multinational naval exercise off South Africa's coast from January 9 to 16, 2026. This visit is part of a Baltic Fleet deployment and included engagements with Namibian defense leadership.

The Russian Embassy noted this as the third visit by Russian vessels to Namibia in two years, reflecting a strengthening of bilateral relations. The upcoming exercise will also involve naval forces from China and Iran, focusing on interoperability and peacekeeping. China's navy deployed vessels toward southern Africa, highlighting increased naval activity in the region.