ORYX 2026: A Showcase of Military Collaboration
From September 28 to October 2, the 115th Air Base in Orange-Caritat, located just east of Orange in the Vaucluse region of France, has been the venue for the bilateral military exercise known as ORYX 2026. This collaborative effort features the Royal Moroccan Air Force's F-16 fighters alongside the French Air and Space Force's Rafale jets, engaging in a series of coordinated flight operations that underscore the strengthening ties between the two nations. As the exercise nears its conclusion on Friday, October 2, numerous sorties have been conducted, showcasing the capabilities and interoperability of both air forces.
The success of ORYX 2026 hinges not only on aerial maneuvers but also on meticulous ground preparations. French and Moroccan teams have been working closely to plan and execute each mission, ensuring a seamless transition from ground operations to flight. Once airborne, the crews have been implementing shared procedures and enhancing their joint operational capabilities. According to the French Air and Space Force, each mission contributes to mutual understanding, coordination, and interoperability between the two air forces, fostering a stronger defense partnership.
The exercise has seen the deployment of four F-16s from Morocco, accompanied by a contingent of about fifty personnel who arrived at the Orange base on September 23. In response, the 5th Fighter Squadron has mobilized its Rafale jets and support personnel, enabling crews to plan, execute, and debrief on various air missions within a realistic tactical environment, simulating both air-to-air and surface-to-air threats.
Continuity of Strategic Military Cooperation
ORYX 2026 extends a well-established collaboration between Morocco and France, building on the foundations laid during the Marathon 25 exercise conducted in Morocco from June 23 to July 4, 2025. During that period, five Rafale aircraft from the 4th Fighter Squadron, supported by an A330 MRTT based in Marrakech, successfully conducted air-to-air refueling and close air support missions alongside Moroccan F-16s. Now, one year later, it is the Moroccan aircraft that have made their way to French soil and airspace for joint training.
This aerial exercise coincides with naval operations taking place simultaneously between the two countries. The Royal Moroccan Navy and the French Navy are conducting the Chebec 26 exercise, with naval vessels making a stop in Tangier on September 30. This alignment of air and naval exercises reflects a comprehensive approach to defense cooperation that enhances the capabilities and readiness of both nations.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
