The French and Moroccan air forces are conducting a major joint military exercise, ORYX 26, at the Orange-Caritat air base in Vaucluse, France, from September 28 to October 2. The exercise involves Rafale fighter jets from the French Air Force and F-16 fighter jets from the Moroccan Air Force. The exercise aims to enhance the interoperability and coordination between the two air forces.
The exercise features a range of simulated combat scenarios, including interceptions, air-to-air combat, close protection, and ground strike missions. Approximately 300 military personnel are participating in the exercise, which is designed to test the ability of the two air forces to work together in a realistic combat environment. The exercise is not a competition, but rather an opportunity for the two forces to learn from each other and improve their skills.
The ORYX 26 exercise builds on previous cooperation between the French and Moroccan air forces, including the Marathon 25 exercise, which took place in June and July 2025. During that exercise, eight F-16s from Morocco and five Rafale B fighter jets from France participated alongside an A330 MRTT tanker and Puma helicopters. For ORYX 26, the Moroccan forces have deployed to France, where they are training alongside the Rafale fighter jets of the 5th Fighter Squadron.
The Moroccan F-16s arrived in France on September 23, accompanied by around 50 military personnel. The Moroccan and French air forces are alternating roles during the exercise, allowing them to work on coordination and tactics in a variety of scenarios, including responding to air threats and simulated surface-to-air defenses. This exercise marks the first time Morocco has participated in such a training event with its newly acquired F-16s.
The exercise is focused on building the skills and interoperability of the two air forces, with a particular emphasis on coordination between pilots, controllers, and ground teams. The scenarios being simulated during the exercise are designed to mimic real-world threats and challenges, allowing the participating forces to hone their skills in a realistic and dynamic environment.
The ORYX 26 exercise is part of a broader program of military cooperation between France and Morocco, which also includes the Black Crow 2026 and CHEBEC 26 exercises. These exercises involve a French frigate and a Moroccan frigate operating together in the Mediterranean, and are designed to enhance the ability of the two navies to work together in a range of scenarios.
The successful completion of the ORYX 26 exercise will demonstrate the strong military cooperation between France and Morocco, and will help to build a more robust and effective partnership between the two countries. The exercise will also provide valuable insights into the capabilities and limitations of the Rafale and F-16 fighter jets, and will help to inform future military planning and operations.
Key points
- The exercise involves around 300 military personnel and features simulated combat scenarios, including interceptions and air-to-air combat.
- The exercise builds on previous cooperation between the French and Moroccan air forces, including the Marathon 25 exercise.
- The exercise marks the first time Morocco has participated in such a training event with its newly acquired F-16s.
