The German army's mission in Syria is stationed in the Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, sources said, adding that there were two pilots and an officer on board the Airbus A310 MRTT who controlled aerial refueling.
A total of 51 German servicemen are now reportedly based in Incirlik, where one tanker aircraft and two Tornado reconnaissance jets are stationed. As of January 2016, the Tornado planes will be used for aerial reconnaissance in Syria.
The German armed forces have been taking part in an anti-Daesh terrorist operation in the skies over Syria since December 15.
On December 4, the German parliament almost unanimously approved the government's intention to support the country’s French partners in their fight against Daesh terrorists.
The mandate is due to expire on December 31, 2016 and does not stipulate that German soldiers may take part in ground operations in Syria.
In late November, it was reported that Germany planned to contribute Tornado surveillance planes, its frigate Augsburg to help protect France's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, aerial refueling for French fighter jets and satellite data.
