The Royal Moroccan Air Force and the French Air and Space Force recently carried out a bilateral military exercise, marking a significant step in their defense cooperation. Held under the codename “Marathon25,” the drill is designed to boost coordination, operational proficiency, and strategic interoperability between the two allies.

First Rafale–F-16 Integration

For the first time, French Rafale B jets flew in tandem with Moroccan F-16s in a simulated combat environment. The French side deployed five Rafale B aircraft from the 4th Fighter Wing, along with an Airbus A330 MRTT Phénix for aerial refueling and strategic lift missions. Morocco contributed F-16 fighter jets and Puma helicopters, the latter being used for transport and medevac roles.

Complex Air Scenarios Tested

The exercise featured a live-fire campaign by the Rafale jets and included in-flight refueling of Moroccan F-16s by the A330 MRTT. Several combat scenarios were rehearsed, focusing on multi-role missions and joint operational tactics. The French Army shared visuals from the operation on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, underlining its strategic significance.

A Decades-Long Partnership

Morocco and France maintain a longstanding defense partnership rooted in colonial-era ties and reinforced by shared strategic interests. Their collaboration spans military training, counterterrorism, and intelligence sharing. France remains a key supplier of military hardware to Morocco, including radar systems and helicopters, while also offering logistical and maintenance support.