Franco-Moroccan Joint Military Exercise ORYX26 Set to Strengthen Air Force Collaboration
From September 28 to October 2, 2026, the 115th Air Base in Orange-Caritat, located in the Vaucluse region of France, will host a significant bilateral military exercise named ORYX26. This training initiative involves the Royal Moroccan Air Forces (FRA) collaborating with the French Air and Space Force, signifying a renewed commitment to enhancing mutual understanding and interoperability between the two nations' air forces.
According to the French Air and Space Force, the Moroccan contingent arrived at the air base five days earlier, on September 23, allowing them ample time to acclimatize to the facilities, familiarize themselves with the operational environment, and prepare for the upcoming missions alongside their French counterparts. This strategic preparation emphasizes the importance of collaboration and readiness in modern military operations.
The Moroccan delegation consists of four F-16 aircraft and approximately fifty personnel, including pilots, mechanics, and support staff. Meanwhile, the French side will deploy Rafale jets and personnel from the 5th Fighter Squadron, which is permanently stationed at the Orange base. The exercise aims to simulate a realistic tactical environment where both aircraft types will operate in the same airspace, further enhancing tactical coordination and effectiveness.
Enhancing Tactical Skills and Response Capabilities
The primary objective of ORYX26 is to improve the mutual knowledge and operational capabilities between the French and Moroccan air forces. Over the course of five days, participating crews will engage in planning, executing, and debriefing aerial missions that incorporate simulated air-to-air and ground-to-air threats. This realistic training environment is designed to challenge the air crews and refine their tactical skills.
This exercise builds on the successful bilateral exercise known as Marathon, which took place in Morocco in 2025. From June 23 to July 4 of that year, the two air forces conducted joint operations between Guelmim and Marrakech, further solidifying their partnership. During that exercise, five Rafale jets were deployed alongside an A330 MRTT tanker aircraft, enabling numerous aerial refueling operations and close air support missions in concert with Moroccan F-16s.
The continued collaboration between France and Morocco in military training exercises like ORYX26 not only strengthens their bilateral relations but also enhances regional security and defense capabilities. As global security dynamics evolve, such partnerships become increasingly vital for effective military preparedness.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
