From September 23 to October 2, 2026, four F-16 fighter jets from the Royal Moroccan Air Force made their inaugural appearance at Air Base 115 in Orange-Caritat, joining the Rafale jets of the 5th Fighter Squadron. This deployment was part of Exercise ORYX, aimed at strengthening cooperation and interoperability between the two air forces. The exercise reflects a significant step in military collaboration, emphasizing the importance of joint training and operational readiness.
Exercise ORYX builds on the foundations laid by the previous MARATHON 25 exercise held in Morocco. This year, however, the F-16s stopped at Air Base 115 for a new round of joint training sessions with the French Rafales. The initial phase of the exercise focused on familiarization with procedures and the specific characteristics of the Orange-Caritat base, allowing the French and Moroccan crews to gradually escalate their training activities. Throughout the ten-day exercise, they engaged in aerial refueling, formation flying, air combat, and electronic warfare exercises.
Lieutenant Colonel Jérémy, the exercise director, emphasized the historical friendship between France and Morocco, stating, "The two countries maintain a vibrant and sincere relationship." While the primary objective remains operational readiness, he noted that "ORYX aims to sustain and enrich this relationship between France and Morocco, taking advantage of these moments. A great way to maintain this bond is through joint training, which enhances our interoperability." It is essential to recognize that interoperability extends beyond the cockpits; air traffic controllers, mechanics, firefighters, and mission preparation personnel also had to adapt their procedures and learn to collaborate with their Moroccan counterparts.
From Training to Strategic Cooperation
Beyond the individual capabilities of each aircraft, the key challenge lies in understanding the partner's capabilities, procedures, and modes of action to achieve coherent collective action and share a common operational language. Exercise ORYX is a crucial component of the ongoing bilateral military cooperation between France and Morocco. For both air forces, the goal transcends merely flying together; it aims to establish common routines that will enable them to operate together effectively in demanding tactical environments.
Morocco is a strategic partner for France, particularly in its role in promoting peace and security in the Sahel-Saharan region and the Mediterranean. This collaboration contributes to enhancing our ability to act jointly and consolidates a shared defense posture in response to regional security challenges. The next edition of Air & Space News will feature a report dedicated to Exercise ORYX and Franco-Moroccan cooperation.
As reported by defense.gouv.fr.
