To reach France without a tanker, Moroccan F-16s carried nearly seven tonnes of fuel
The four Moroccan F-16s that arrived in France made the journey in a configuration designed to maximize their range. Fuselage-mounted tanks, underwing tanks and two transport aircraft: the deployment reveals the resources mobilized to make up for the absence of a Moroccan tanker.
The fighter jets landed on Wednesday, September 23, at Orange-Caritat Air Base 115 after flying along Spain’s eastern coast. Their arrival for an exercise with the French Rafales was known, but new photographs now make it possible to see precisely the configuration used during the journey, reports Defensa.
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The aircraft were fitted with conformal tanks mounted along the fuselage. This system adds around 1,388 kilograms of fuel without taking up the hardpoints under the wings. Two additional external tanks, each holding 1,141 kilograms, were also attached beneath each aircraft.
With this equipment added to the fuel in the internal tanks, each F-16 could carry nearly seven tonnes of fuel. This configuration greatly increases its range and allows it to make long journeys without relying on in-flight refueling.
Two Moroccan C-130s to support the deployment
This choice addresses a specific limitation of the Royal Air Forces: Morocco does not have its own tanker aircraft to accompany its F-16s. During some international exercises, this mission is carried out by aircraft from partner countries, notably France or the United States.
For the journey to Orange-Caritat, the four fighter jets were accompanied by two Moroccan C-130Hs. The aircraft, registered CN-AOS and CN-AOF, transported the personnel, parts and equipment required for the detachment deployed in France.
The photographs also show the equipment planned for Exercise Oryx 26. The F-16s are carrying inert AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, used for training, as well as a Sniper targeting pod mounted beneath the air intake. The pod can, among other things, detect, track and identify targets at long range.
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During Exercise Marathon 25, held in Morocco in June 2025, a French A330 MRTT Phénix refueled Moroccan F-16s both day and night. At Orange-Caritat, the Moroccan aircraft will train with the Rafales of Fighter Squadron 1/5 Vendée from September 28 to October 2.
