Australia will send an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to the Middle East and provide the United Arab Emirates with advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, in a move aimed at defending against Iranian attacks and keeping airspace open for stranded Australians.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles said the UAE has intercepted more than 1,500 rockets and drones since Iran began targeting states around the Persian Gulf, putting civilians at risk. The Wedgetail, carrying 85 personnel, is expected to be operational by the end of the week and will provide long-range reconnaissance over the Gulf for an initial four-week deployment.
Marles likened the aircraft’s mission to previous operations in Poland defending Ukraine, emphasising that the deployment is strictly defensive. “These are defensive weapons and I want to make that clear,” he said, adding that no Australian ground troops would be sent to Iran.
The announcement comes amid escalating US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks, which have disrupted energy supplies, pushed global oil prices above US$100 a barrel, and grounded regional air transport. US President Donald Trump said the campaign would “end soon,” though Iran has stated the conflict will continue unless it receives assurances against future attacks.
Australia’s humanitarian efforts include granting visas to five Iranian female footballers seeking asylum after refusing to sing their national anthem during a match in Gold Coast. Officials stressed that the country’s actions aim to protect civilians, support allies in the Gulf, and prevent further escalation while upholding international humanitarian law.
Approximately 115,000 Australians are in the Middle East, with 24,000 in the UAE, highlighting the unprecedented consular challenge faced by Canberra.
