Federal Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen has explained in detail to the Cabinet the plans to transfer the Bundeswehr units from the Turkish air base in Incirlik to Al Azraq in Jordan.

The minister spoke in particular about the timing of the transfer. The pertinent orders have already been given for the 250 or so soldiers affected, and implementation has already begun.

The Bundeswehr is to withdraw its Tornado surveillance planes and the tanker aircraft from Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. An advance team has been at the new air base in Jordan since the beginning of June.

Transfer to be closely coordinated with anti-IS partners

Federal government spokesperson Steffen Seibert explained that the mission will be interrupted while the surveillance Tornados and the tanker plane are moved to Jordan. Our partners in the fight against the IS will be informed in detail, so that they can respond appropriately, said Steffen Seibert.

From Incirlik Air Base German planes fly missions over Syrian and Iraqi sovereign territory as part of the anti-IS coalition. Germany is supporting the international alliance with Tornado reconnaissance aircraft and a tanker aircraft for the mid-air refuelling of fighter jets.

Ban on visits by German parliamentarians

The withdrawal from Incirlik is the response of the German government to Turkey’s refusal to allow members of the German Bundestag to visit German soldiers stationed in Turkey.

"Wherever the Bundeswehr is, members of the German Bundestag must be able to visit the troops," said Sigmar Gabriel following his visit to Turkey, and added, "Since this is not now possible in Incirlik, we will withdraw the Bundeswehr from Incirlik."