Moroccan F-16s Face French Rafales in Major Air Exercise
Moroccan F-16s began their first tactical missions at Orange-Caritat on Monday. With simulated interceptions, air combat, close protection and ground strikes, ORYX 26 has entered its operational phase, mobilizing nearly 300 French and Moroccan military personnel until October 2.
The four Moroccan fighter jets carried out their first simulated interceptions of French Rafales. These exercises are designed to train crews to detect, engage and protect a combined air force, reports Avions légendaires.
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Morocco deployed four F-16s along with around 50 pilots, mechanics, controllers and support staff. Together with the French personnel, ORYX 26 brings around 300 military personnel to Orange-Caritat Air Base 115.
The scenarios go beyond formation flights. In one initial exercise, the Rafales must detect and engage aircraft playing the role of the enemy at long range. The Moroccan F-16s provide close protection and can take over when combat moves within visual range.
From interceptions to simulated strikes
Another phase involves entering contested airspace and carrying out simulated strikes against ground targets. The Rafales use their long-range engagement capabilities, while the F-16s conduct escort or close air support missions. Information gathered by their sensors is shared with other crews and ground controllers.
ORYX 26 is therefore not designed to determine whether the Rafale or the F-16 is superior. The two aircraft are assigned roles that are sometimes opposing and sometimes complementary, to test coordination among pilots, controllers and ground teams in the face of multiple threats.
The deployment is a first for the Royal Moroccan Air Force. Since acquiring their F-16s, its fighter jets had never before travelled to France for a joint exercise. Their journey to Orange-Caritat had already tested their ability to operate far from their bases.
ORYX 26 reverses the setup of Marathon 25. From June 23 to July 4, 2025, five French Rafale B jets and an A330 MRTT tanker aircraft were deployed to Marrakech to conduct missions with Moroccan F-16s between Marrakech and Guelmim, the French Ministry of the Armed Forces said. A year later, the Moroccan fighter jets are making the journey in the opposite direction and operating from a French base.