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.
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.