to be in reasonable shape and was being brought back to operational status through a staged maintenance and repair program. However, it was also reported that there still remained: "much work ahead. As long dormant systems are used again, small kinks and issues will show and must be ironed out”. In February 2023, Mendi participated in joint South African-Russian-Chinese exercises which involved the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and tanker Kama from the Russian Navy along with the destroyer Huainan, the frigate Rizhao and the support ship Kekexilihu from the Chinese Navy, as well as other smaller units from the South African Navy. References External links Photos of F148 Valour class entry at South African Navy website Ships built in Kiel Valour-class frigates 2003 ships Frigates of the South African Navy Military units and formations in Cape Town