Morocco Joins France-Led ORION 2026 Multinational Military Exercise
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco is participating alongside numerous nations in the large-scale ORION 2026 military exercise, led by France from February 8 to April 30.
According to Spanish daily La Razón, the exercise aims to strengthen armed forces’ preparedness for complex scenarios in hybrid operational environments, while enhancing coordination, interoperability, and the protection of territories and civilian populations.
Morocco’s participation includes the deployment of the frigate Mohammed VI as part of a broad international coalition comprising Spain, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, South Korea, Estonia, the United States, Croatia, Italy, Greece, Japan, Norway, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Romania, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Switzerland.
ORION 2026 focuses on the planning and execution of joint operations across land, sea, and air domains, as well as in cyber and information spaces. The exercise also serves as a testing ground for modern military technologies, including drones, artificial intelligence, and electronic warfare capabilities.
Organized in three phases, ORION 2026 began with operational planning on January 6, followed by field implementation from February 8 to March 1. From April 7 to 30, participating forces will integrate into a NATO-led exercise, further reinforcing multinational coordination and interoperability.
France has committed significant resources to the operation, including a corps headquarters, three joint brigades, approximately 2,150 tactical vehicles, 40 helicopters, and around 1,200 combat and specialized drones, alongside major naval and air assets.
The exercise underscores Morocco’s commitment to international military cooperation and highlights its role in strengthening collective defense readiness within a broad global coalition.
