SAS AMATOLA Represents South Africa at the International Fleet Review in India
The South African Navy (SAN) frigate SAS AMATOLA has successfully arrived in India and participated in the International Fleet Review 2026, hosted by the Indian Navy inVisakhapatnam.
The review brought together naval forces from more than seventy (70) countries and numerous warships in a ceremonial and professional gathering aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation, fostering mutual understanding, and reinforcing shared responsibility for stability at sea. South Africa’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to collective security and its role as a maritime partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
During the fleet review, the presence of SAS AMATOLA served as a visible demonstration of South Africa’s continued involvement in global maritime affairs. The ship’s company conducted itself in accordance with naval tradition and discipline, reflecting the professionalism expected of representatives of the Republic.
International Fleet Reviews are not merely ceremonial displays; they serve as instruments of defence diplomacy. They promote cooperation in areas such as maritime safety, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, search and rescue, and coordinated responses to non-traditional maritime threats.
Through participation in the review and associated engagements, the SAN strengthened bilateral relations with India while engaging a broader community of navies committed to maintaining secure sea lines of communication and adherence to international maritime norms. The Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, attended senior leadership engagements with counterparts from participating nations, including high-level maritime discussions focused on cooperation, information sharing, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response. These engagements reinforced defence diplomacyobjectives and strengthened relations with partner navies.
Following the completion of the International Fleet Review, the programme continues with further activities in India, including engagements at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium and participation in Exercise MILAN 2026. These forthcoming phases will involve harbour interactions, professional exchanges, and coordinated multinational maritime activities aimed at improving interoperability and shared Understanding among participating ships.
The deployment of SAS AMATOLA follows a period in which public discourse highlighted challenges relating to funding constraints and sea-going opportunities. Against this backdrop, the successful arrival and participation in the International Fleet Review stand as a practical demonstration of operational readiness and institutional resilience. For the sailors on board, the deployment provides valuable exposure to multinational naval operations and maritime engagement. For South Africa, it reinforces national visibility within the maritime domain and affirms the country’s enduring interest in the security and stability of the oceans.
This deployment of SAS AMATOLA also marked the first operational participation under her newly appointed Officer Commanding, Captain (SA Navy) Zanele Madiba. Captain Madiba is the first female officer in the South African Navy to be appointed to command a frigate and, at Exercise MILAN 2026, the only female naval officer in command of a ship among the participating nations. Her appointment drew notable recognition, including commendation from the Chief of Staff of the Indian Navy when Vice Admiral Lobese formally introduced her.Through its participation, SAS AMATOLA continues to fly the South African flag abroad and strengthen international partnerships, demonstrating the South African Navy’s enduring commitment to maritime cooperation.
Article and Pictures by SA Navy
