German Tornados arrived at Incirlik AB, Turkey, in December, to join the efforts against ISIS in Syria, according to the Air Force. German lawmakers approved the deployment of Tornado ECR reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft from Jagel AB, Germany, as well as an A310 tanker, for a non?combat role. The 445-146 vote came after requests for help from France, NBC News reported. In mid-December, the 12 US F-15s that deployed to Incirlik in November returned to their home base. The French also launched their only aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, to the area in November, just days before the attacks on Paris.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
