Germany looking to deploy 1,200 troops for IS fight: Army chief

"From a military point of view, around 1,200 soldiers would be necessary to run the planes and ship," army chief of staff General Volker Wieker told Bild am Sonntag newspaper, adding that the mission would begin "very quickly once a mandate is obtained".

"The government is seeking a mandate this year," said Wieker.

The move will have to be approved by parliament, although some commentators have pointed to German Chancellor Angela Merkel's falling popularity at home in part caused by a growing backlash against refugees and migrants as a possible barrier to the deployment. 

Berlin on Thursday offered France Tornado reconnaissance jets, a naval frigate, aerial refuelling and satellite images in the fight against the IS group.

Between four and six Tornados would be deployed to deliver images of the ground, even in poor weather and during the night, Wieker said.

Asked why Germany had shied away from participating in direct air strikes, Wieker said the coalition already had "sufficient forces and means" dealing with that aspect of the battle.

"What is needed is reconnaissance on the ground, so that these forces can be deployed effectively. Our Tornados can contribute a lot in that area," he said.

Talks are ongoing with Turkey and Jordan about stationing the planes in Incirlik - which also serves as a base for US jets, as well as in Amman.

Wieker swiped aside any criticism that Germany had opted for "the least dangerous" tasks, saying: "This allegation is not justified. What is the difference when you fly a bomber jet or a reconnaisance plane over the same area? The levels of threat and danger are the same."

Syria vote

The announcement about a possible troop deployment comes shortly before the UK Labour Party leadership is set to decide whether or not its MPs will have a free vote on whether to expand anti-IS airstrikes into Syria.

The UK is already bombing IS in Iraq. While the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn opposes further involvement, many MPs appear to back the governing Conservative plans in the wake of the Paris attacks earlier this month to begin bombing IS in Syria. 

After the attacks, French President Francois Hollande called the massacre an "an act of war" and ruled to send 10 more jets to bomb the Islamic State group, which claimed responsability for the attack. 

Post-war Germany has been traditionally reluctant to send troops abroad, although it has joined UN-mandated missions in the Balkans and elsewhere, and the NATO coalition in Afghanistan.

Germany has not taken part in air strikes against IS in Syria and Iraq, which have been mainly flown by US and French aircraft.

After France last week invoked a clause requiring EU member states to provide military assistance after the Paris attacks, Germany swiftly announced its participation in the fight in Syria.