The German cabinet has approved plans to join the international coalition fighting against the Islamic State (IS) militant group in Syria.
The mandate to commit up to 1,200 soldiers was endorsed by ministers on December 1, but still requires parliamentary approval.
It isn't yet clear when lawmakers will consider it, but Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing coalition has a large majority and approval looks assured.
Following deadly attacks by Islamic State extremists in Paris that killed 130 people, Merkel agreed to honor a request from France to provide support for its operations against IS in Syria. Germany plans to send reconnaissance aircraft, tanker planes, and a warship to the region in support roles, but won't actively engage in combat.
Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told the daily Bild that he doesn't expect Germany to have 1,200 soldiers participating at any one time.