Morocco is taking part in the multinational military exercise ORION 2026, joining France, Spain, and a wide coalition of international partners in drills running from 8 February to 30 April 2026. The exercises cover land, sea, air, cyber, and information operations, reflecting the growing complexity of modern military scenarios.
The Royal Armed Forces are represented by the advanced frigate Mohammed VI, one of Morocco’s flagship naval vessels. The frigate is participating in coordinated maritime operations alongside coalition warships, showcasing Morocco’s commitment to interoperability and multinational defense collaboration.
Led by France, ORION 2026 is one of the largest multinational military exercises in Europe and North Africa. It is designed to prepare forces for high-intensity operations in hybrid and contested environments, requiring close coordination between ground, naval, and air units, as well as cyber and information capabilities.
In addition to Morocco, France, and Spain, the exercise brings together armed forces from the United States, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, South Korea, Estonia, Croatia, Italy, Greece, Japan, Norway, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Romania, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Switzerland, reflecting its truly international scale.
The exercise is structured in phases, beginning with operational planning, followed by field deployments, and concluding with integration under NATO command structures. It also provides a platform for testing advanced military technologies, including combat drones, artificial intelligence systems, and electronic warfare capabilities.
French forces have mobilized extensive assets for ORION 2026, including a corps-level headquarters, three joint brigades, over 2,000 tactical vehicles, 40 helicopters, and more than 1,200 specialized and combat drones. The naval component includes the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, amphibious helicopter carriers, embarked aircraft, and multiple combat vessels.
From the Spanish side, the frigate Álvaro de Bazán is participating alongside Moroccan and coalition ships in joint maritime operations. These maneuvers enhance coordination and operational readiness across multiple navies operating in complex maritime environments.
The Royal Armed Forces’ involvement underscores Morocco’s growing role in multinational military cooperation, strengthening its operational capabilities while contributing to regional and international security.
