Morocco and France have strengthened their military cooperation with a joint air exercise, bringing together Moroccan F-16 fighter jets and French Rafale aircraft at Orange-Caritat Air Base 115 in France. The exercise, known as ORYX 2026, marks the first time Moroccan F-16s have trained alongside French Rafales at the base. The training runs from September 23 to October 2 and involves crews, mechanics, and air controllers from both countries.
The Moroccan F-16s are training with Rafale jets from France's 5th Fighter Wing, which operates from Orange-Caritat Air Base. The exercise focuses on joint training and improving the ability of the two air forces to operate together. The French Air and Space Force announced the start of the exercise in a statement, highlighting the importance of interoperability between the two air forces.
The exercise builds on previous military cooperation between Morocco and France. In June and July 2025, the two countries held the Marathon 25 exercise in Morocco. The French Air and Space Force said that the exercise focused on interoperability and the sharing of air tactics and procedures. This latest exercise demonstrates the ongoing commitment to military cooperation between the two nations.
The joint air exercise is part of a broader expansion of military cooperation between Morocco and France. The two countries also launched the 33rd edition of the bilateral CHEBEC naval exercise in Toulon on September 14. This naval exercise brings together the Royal Moroccan Navy and the French Navy for joint maritime training, focusing on maritime safety and security, operational coordination, and interoperability.
The CHEBEC 26 naval exercise includes training at the Toulon naval base before the participating forces move to maritime operations in the Mediterranean. The training also includes navigation and maneuvering simulators, firefighting, and damage-control exercises. This exercise highlights the comprehensive nature of the military cooperation between Morocco and France.
The ORYX 2026 joint air exercise and the CHEBEC 26 naval exercise demonstrate the strong military ties between Morocco and France. These exercises enhance the interoperability of the two countries' military forces and promote regional security and stability. The exercises also reflect the commitment of both countries to strengthening their bilateral cooperation in the field of defense.
The successful conduct of these exercises is a testament to the high level of cooperation and professionalism between the Moroccan and French armed forces. The exercises will contribute to the development of common tactics, techniques, and procedures, ultimately enhancing the capabilities of both countries to address common security challenges.
Key points
- Moroccan F-16s train alongside French Rafale jets for the first time at Orange-Caritat Air Base 115 in France.
- The joint air exercise, ORYX 2026, focuses on interoperability and joint training between the two air forces.
- The exercise is part of a broader expansion of military cooperation between Morocco and France, including the CHEBEC 26 naval exercise.
