Australia to deploy missiles and surveillance plane to support UAE defense efforts

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to deploy a long-range reconnaissance aircraft and send air-to-air missiles to the Gulf region in response to ongoing conflict with Iran. The move aims to support countries in the region in defending against Iranian attacks.

According to Albanese, 12 countries across the Middle East are currently being targeted by Iranian reprisal attacks, which have escalated in scale and depth over the past week. As part of this effort, the Royal Australian Air Force will send an E7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and supporting personnel to the region for a period of four weeks.

The deployment is intended to protect and secure airspace above the Gulf, as well as provide assistance with collective self-defence efforts. The move also includes the provision of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles to the United Arab Emirates.

Albanese cited the significant number of Australians living in the region, including 24,000 in the UAE, as a key factor behind the deployment of military assets. He emphasized that the deployments are for defensive purposes only and do not involve Australian troops on the ground in Iran.

In response to the announcement, Greens Senator Larissa Waters expressed concerns about Australia’s involvement in another potential conflict. She stated that she fears more Australian lives may be at risk with the announced deployments, which will be accompanied by 85 Australian personnel.

Separately, Albanese has also announced that Canberra has granted asylum to five members of Iran’s women’s football team, who were visiting Australia for a regional tournament. The women have been issued with humanitarian visas and are being assisted by Australian Federal Police.

Source: Al Jazeera