Four Moroccan F-16s Have Already Landed in France: Rafales Await Them on Monday
Four Moroccan F-16 fighter jets are already at Orange-Caritat Air Base in southern France. Starting Monday, their crews will train with Rafale pilots for five days as part of the bilateral ORYX 26 exercise.
The aircraft landed on Wednesday, September 23, accompanied by a detachment of around 50 Moroccan military personnel. The French Air and Space Force confirmed their arrival in El Español.
On Bladi.net : Morocco and France Flex Air Power: F-16s and Rafales Unite in High-Stakes "Marathon 25" Exercise
The exercise will take place from September 28 to October 2 at Orange-Caritat Air Base 115, in Vaucluse. The Moroccan F-16s will fly with the Rafales of the 5th Fighter Wing. France plans to deploy at least two aircraft, without yet specifying the final number.
Missions Prepared, Carried Out and Analyzed Together
The crews will have to prepare, carry out and analyze joint air missions. The scenarios will include simulated threats from other aircraft and ground-based defense systems. The objective announced by the French military is to improve mutual understanding and coordination between the two air forces.
ORYX 26 extends the Marathon 25 maneuvers, organized last year in Guelmim. Moroccan F-16s and French Rafales had already trained together there, particularly on firing and in-flight refueling. This time, the Moroccan fighter jets traveled to France to continue their training.
On Bladi.net : Morocco Shifts Military Allegiance: Rafale Jets Deal with France Signals New Era in North African Arms Race
Military cooperation between the two countries is also taking place at sea. The Moroccan frigate Tarik Ben Ziyad is currently participating in the CHEBEC 26 naval exercise with the French navy, following an initial phase held in Toulon.
