Morocco and France launched a large-scale joint air exercise, “Marathon 25,” on June 23 in the southern Moroccan city of Guelmim, aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two countries’ air forces, the Royal Armed Forces said.
The exercise involves the Royal Moroccan Air Force and the French Air and Space Force. Morocco is participating with eight F-16 fighter jets and Puma helicopters used for transport and medical evacuation missions.
France has deployed five Rafale B fighter jets from its 4th Fighter Wing and an A330 MRTT “Phénix” aircraft from the 31st Air Refueling and Strategic Transport Wing.
The drill is divided into two phases. The first includes live-fire exercises and aerial refueling operations. The second phase focuses on complex tactical scenarios, joint command coordination, real-time information sharing, and integrated operations.
The exercise is part of ongoing strategic defense cooperation between Rabat and Paris and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening military capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics.