Rigorous briefings, technical coordination and tactical debriefings are all part of the exercise at Orange Air Base, where the success of ORYX 2026 depends as much on work on the ground as on operations in the air. Moroccan and French personnel are continuing to refine their ability to operate together through Friday.
The work begins on the ground, with French and Moroccan teams preparing and coordinating each mission before takeoff. Once airborne, the crews apply common procedures and further develop their ability to operate together. According to the French Air and Space Force, each mission strengthens mutual understanding, coordination and interoperability between the two air forces.
The force deployed for the exercise has remained unchanged since its launch. The Royal Moroccan Air Force has deployed four F-16s and a detachment of around 50 personnel, who arrived in Orange on September 23. Opposing them, the 5th Fighter Wing has mobilized its Rafales and personnel. The crews plan, carry out and then debrief air missions in a realistic tactical environment involving simulated air-to-air and surface-to-air threats.
One of the F-16s deployed by the Royal Moroccan Air Force. (Image: Forum Far-Maroc/Facebook)
ORYX 2026 builds on an established record of cooperation between the two countries. It follows Exercise Marathon25, held in Morocco from June 23 to July 4, 2025, between Guelmim and Marrakech. Five Rafales from the 4th Fighter Wing, supported by an A330 MRTT based in Marrakech, carried out a series of aerial refueling and close air support missions alongside Moroccan F-16s. A year later, Moroccan aircraft have joined French forces on French soil and in French airspace.
The air exercise is taking place alongside a naval sequence between the two countries. The Royal Moroccan Navy and the French Navy are conducting Exercise Chebec 26 in parallel, with the participating vessels making a port call in Tangier on September 30.
