The German cabinet has backed plans for military support in the fight against Islamic State militants in Syria.

Tornado reconnaissance aircraft, a frigate and a 1,200-strong force will be sent to the region. Germany decided to join the fight against IS after an appeal by French President Francois Hollande in the wake of the 13 November Paris attacks.

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told Bild newspaper before Tuesday’s cabinet meeting:

“We are doing what is militarily necessary, what we can do best, and what we can back politically. Against an opponent like IS we need plenty of stamina.”

The mandate is for one year at a cost of £94m and can be extended next year. Its forces will not engage in combat.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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Bryn Matthews
8 years ago

Don’t mention the war!

Adam Bailey-Brown
8 years ago

What action is that? A ferry and bus service?

UK Defence Journal
8 years ago

The article makes quite clear.

Michael Thomas
8 years ago

UK Defence Journal The article simply states ‘Its forces will not engage in combat.’ So what will they be doing? Recon and logistics only?

James Thame
8 years ago

Yeah, they’re sending a frigate to escort the Charles De Gaulle as well

Stuart Brown
8 years ago

Frigate Escort, Recon with GR4 and Air Tankers.

David Hollingworth
8 years ago

Germany’s constitution only allows them to act militarily in self defence which is why they will only be able to take a supporting role.

Adam Bailey-Brown
8 years ago

Seems people missed the joke.

Michael Thomas
8 years ago

Adam Bailey-Brown Yep. Another Drax moment.

Martyn Torrontes Smith

There was a joke?

Jason Bartlett
8 years ago

Just enough to make it look good but not actually attacking….well done germany

David Hollingworth
8 years ago
Reply to  Jason Bartlett

Germany’s constitution doesn’t allow them to, it’s a hangover from the aftermath of the Second World War.

James Gale
8 years ago
Reply to  Jason Bartlett

ECR Tornados are an excellent asset providing real time intelligence and are cleared to deploy HARM in the advent of increased SAM concentration. Given Russia is deploying S400 the ECR will provide a strong AR umbrella.

Tom Glyde
8 years ago

No SEAD Tonkas? :/

Tom Glyde
8 years ago

By reconnaissance, I assume they mean the Tornado ECR variant … Useful for SEAD

James Gale
8 years ago
Reply to  Tom Glyde

Given the S400 deployment a very useful asset

Ross Hendrie
8 years ago

With over half their aircraft unserviceable?

John Lucas
8 years ago

Go destroy those terrorists.

Matt Andrews
8 years ago

Will they be running the internment camps? Historically they’re very good at that!