BRUSSELS, Jan 11 (Reuters) - The European Union is ready to launch a peacekeeping mission to Chad and the Central African Republic from mid-February after member states filled equipment shortfalls, an EU diplomat said on Friday.

"EU military experts met and, for the first time, the conclusion is that they have what they need to launch the operation," the diplomat said after a meeting in Brussels, saying France, Belgium and Poland came forward with offers.

He added the mission of some 3,500-plus soldiers would deploy from mid-February assuming EU ministers rubber stamped the plan, aimed at protecting refugees from the Darfur conflict in neighbouring Sudan. (Reporting by Mark John)

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