The Moroccan F-16s in France flew to Air Base 115 Orange-Caritat with a configuration designed to maximise their range. According to observations reported by the defence press, the four fighters carried additional fuel tanks allowing them to take on board nearly seven tonnes of fuel.
The Moroccan aircraft landed on 23 September in the south of France. They are taking part in the ORYX 2026 air exercise alongside French Rafale jets. The French Air and Space Force confirms the presence of four Moroccan F-16s and a Moroccan detachment on the base.
Moroccan F-16s in France: a configuration tailored for long-range autonomy
Photographs released after the aircraft arrived show their ferry configuration in detail.
According to Defensa, cited by Bladi, the F-16s were fitted with conformal fuel tanks along the fuselage. This system adds around 1,388 kilograms of fuel without using the hardpoints under the wings.
Two additional external tanks were also installed under the wings. Each of these could carry around 1,141 kilograms of fuel.
By combining these tanks with the fuel stored in the internal tanks, each aircraft could take on board close to seven tonnes of fuel, according to estimates reported by specialised media.
A flight to Orange-Caritat without a Moroccan tanker
This configuration addresses a logistical constraint: the Royal Moroccan Air Force does not currently operate its own air-to-air refuelling aircraft.
The four fighters therefore flew to France without in-flight refuelling provided by a Moroccan tanker. Le Desk describes this deployment as a test of the F-16s’ ability to operate far from their usual bases.
Morocco had already relied on foreign tanker aircraft during certain exercises. During Marathon 25, held in Morocco in 2025, a French A330 MRTT Phénix took part in air-to-air refuelling operations for Moroccan F-16s.
Two C-130s support the deployment
The F-16s did not make the trip to France alone.
Two Moroccan C-130H transport aircraft supported the deployment, according to information reported by Bladi. These aircraft were responsible for transporting personnel, equipment and all the material required for the detachment.
The package included around 50 Moroccan military personnel, including pilots, mechanics and support staff.
This organisation allows the detachment to operate autonomously throughout the exercise.
ORYX 2026: Moroccan F-16s train with French Rafale jets
The arrival of the Moroccan F-16s in France marks another step forward in air cooperation between Rabat and Paris.
The ORYX 2026 exercise is being held from 28 September to 2 October at Orange-Caritat. Moroccan F-16s are training with Rafale jets from the French Air Force’s 5th fighter wing.
Aircrews must jointly plan, execute and then debrief combined air missions. The scenarios include simulated air-to-air and surface-to-air threats.
The stated goal of the French Air and Space Force is to strengthen mutual understanding and interoperability between the two air forces.
A different deployment from Marathon 25
This time, the move to France reverses the format used in previous exercises.
In 2025, French Rafale jets deployed to Morocco for Marathon 25. The exercise took place between Guelmim and Marrakech, supported by a French A330 MRTT.
With ORYX 2026, it is the Moroccan F-16s that are operating from a French base.
The deployment gives Moroccan crews the opportunity to work with their French counterparts in a new environment and to continue the joint training that has been under way for several years.
Long-range deployment capability put to the test
Beyond the flights scheduled with the Rafale, the deployment of the four F-16s is a logistical exercise in its own right.
Flying the aircraft, personnel and equipment over a long distance requires dedicated planning. The configuration observed on the fighters underlines the importance given to autonomy during the transit phase.
For Morocco, ORYX 2026 is therefore an opportunity to test the ability of its combat aircraft to operate far from their home bases, while deepening operational cooperation with France.
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