of these machines were from French production except for the 24 Nigerian aircraft, which were from German production. Between 1979 and 1981, the Royal Moroccan Air Force received 24 Alpha Jets which were organized into a training squadron and a COIN squadron both based in Meknes. Alpha Jets were employed in strike missions against the Polisario Front during the Western Sahara War, one of their number being shot down in December, 1985. Variants : Attack version originally used by Germany. : Trainer version originally used by France and Belgium. Alpha Jet 2: Development of the Alpha Jet E optimized for ground attack. This version was originally named the Alpha Jet NGAE (Nouvelle Generation Appui/Ecole or "New Generation Attack/Training"), Alpha Jet MS1: Close support-capable version assembled in Egypt. Alpha Jet MS2: Improved version with new avionics, an uprated engine, Magic Air-to-Air missiles, and a Lancier glass cockpit. Alpha Jet ATS (Advanced Training System): A version fitted with multi-functional controls and a glass cockpit that will train pilots in the use of navigation and attack systems of the latest and future generation fighter aircraft. This version was also called the Alpha Jet 3 or Lancier. Alpha Jet Al-Ghait: A single Moroccan Alpha Jet E modified with a Sperry/Honeywell Primus 300SL weather radar; known as Al-Ghait (The Rain). and an AN/ALE-40 chaff-flare dispenser, modified for cloud seeding. Operators Cameroon Air Force (Alpha Jet MS2) – 27 (12 are in service) Top Aces – 30 Alpha Jet A (former Luftwaffe and Qinetic Aircraft) based in Montreal. With 19 operating as airborne training assets under contract to the Canadian Forces and Bundeswehr. Including use as an electronic warfare platform in cooperation with Engility and 414 Squadron. Also 25 Alpha Jet E from Belgium. Egypt Air Force (Alpha Jet MS2 and E) – 14 MS2 and 40 E (MS1), All upgraded to (MS2) French Air Force (Alpha Jet E) – 99 Royal Moroccan Air Force (Alpha Jet E) – 24 Nigerian Air Force (Alpha Jet E) – 24 acquired. 4 upgraded in 2011, 9 more reactivated. 11 in service. Qatar Emiri Air Force (Alpha Jet E) – six Royal Thai Air Force (19 Alpha Jet A – former Luftwaffe aircraft) Togo Air Force – 5 (Alpha Jet E) Former operators Air Affairs/Top Aces - 3 (Former Luftwaffe Alpha Jet A) provided by Top Aces. Operated in support of Australian Defence Force training. Belgian Air Component (Alpha