Australia will deploy a Royal Australian Air Force surveillance aircraft to the Middle East after a request from the United Arab Emirates, as regional tensions escalate amid Iranian attacks involving drones and rockets.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that an RAAF E-7A Wedgetail airborne early-warning and control aircraft will be sent to the Gulf to assist in protecting airspace and civilians.
The deployment comes after Gulf states reported repeated attempts to strike the region using missiles and drones. According to Albanese, the United Arab Emirates has already intercepted more than 1500 rockets and drones during the recent escalation.
Albanese stressed that Australia’s role will be strictly defensive and carried out under the principle of collective self-defence.
“We’re taking defensive action to support our partners’ efforts to keep Australians safe,” he said.
“Deployed ADF assets will operate according to the right of collective self-defence. Australia will deploy an E-7 Wedgetail to the Gulf to help protect and defend Australians and other civilians.”
The Wedgetail aircraft provides long-range airborne surveillance and command capability, enabling it to monitor aircraft, drones and missiles over large areas and coordinate defensive responses.
The aircraft and supporting Australian Defence Force personnel will initially be deployed for four weeks, with the mission focused on strengthening airspace monitoring over the Gulf.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said the request for military assistance came directly from the United Arab Emirates.
Speaking alongside Albanese, Marles said the aircraft is expected to arrive in the Middle East later this week and become operational shortly afterwards.
In addition to the surveillance aircraft, Australia has also agreed to provide medium-range air-to-air missiles and launch ramps to assist the UAE’s defensive capabilities.
Marles reiterated that the deployment does not involve Australian combat operations against Iran.
Albanese also emphasised that Australia will not deploy ground troops to Iran and is not participating in offensive military action.
“My government has been clear that we’re not taking offensive action against Iran, and we’re not deploying Australian troops on the ground in Iran,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that Australian authorities are continuing to work on contingency plans to ensure the safety of Australians in the Middle East and assist travellers seeking to leave the region if conditions deteriorate further.
The deployment reflects growing concern among Gulf nations about the scale of drone and missile attacks linked to Iran and highlights Australia’s continued security cooperation with regional partners.
