Germany is sending two military aircraft to help transport African troops who will aid in the international effort to drive back al-Qaida-linked insurgents in Mali.

Defense Ministry Thomas de Maiziere says the two C-160 planes will depart once technical details have been resolved.

De Maiziere told reporters in Berlin on Wednesday that they would be used to take forces from the 15-nation in West African regional group known as ECOWAS to Mali's capital Bamako.

Germany will also be providing (EURO)1 million ($1.3 million) for humanitarian aid in Mali where fighting has displaced tens of thousands of people.

Germany has been reluctant to be drawn into the conflict even as its close ally France is mounting a major military effort to back Mali's government against the rebel onslaught.