The German Ministry of Defense stated that it is willing to continue the mission from Turkey, but stressed that "there are alternatives to the Incirlik base".
According to the magazine, Germany could alternatively deploy its contingent at the bases in Jordan or Cyprus. However, the redeployment of Tornado aircraft will interrupt the reconnaissance flights over Syria and Iraq for at least two months.
In addition, the maintenance of the aircraft and the military in Jordan and Cyprus will be more expensive and technically more complex than in Turkey, the magazine wrote. The decision might be related to the recent deterioration in relations between Brussels and Ankara.
Tensions between Turkey and the EU have risen even further, following the failed coup in July which Erdogan has accused of being promoted by the US and the 75-year-old US-based cleric, Fethullah Gulen, who Turkey wants to extradite.
Since the attempted coup, massive suppression of those associated with the coup — the judicial system, the military and the police — as well as subsequent crackdown on human rights and freedom of speech have caused further tensions between Turkey and the EU.
