Australia Bolsters Middle East Defenses Amid Iran Tensions
Canberra is deploying a Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft and providing air-to-air missiles to the United Arab Emirates, signaling increased Australian support for regional security as tensions with Iran escalate.
Australian Deployment Details
The Australian government announced on March 10, 2026, the deployment of a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to the Middle East . The Wedgetail, from No. 2 Squadron, will provide long-range reconnaissance capabilities to aid secure airspace above the Gulf for an initial four-week period .
Eighty-five Australian troops will also deploy to the Middle East, alongside a previously announced C-17A transport aircraft and KC-30A aerial tanker .
Replenishing UAE Missile Stocks
In addition to the Wedgetail deployment, Australia will provide an unspecified quantity of AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to the UAE . This assistance aims to replenish the UAE’s stocks after defending against approximately 1,500 Iranian rockets and drones . The UAE is home to approximately 24,000 Australian citizens.
While the U.S. Recently approved the sale of new AMRAAMs to Australia, the missiles provided to the UAE are likely older variants currently in Australian inventory . These missiles will arm the UAE Air Force’s F-16 Block 60 fighters.
Regional Context and Australian Stance
Twelve Gulf nations have been targeted by Iran since the United States and Israel launched strikes against the Tehran regime on February 28 . Australia has stated its support for action aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and threatening international peace and security.
Still, Australian leaders have emphasized that the country will not participate in offensive operations against Iran or deploy troops on Iranian soil .
Wedgetail’s Operational History
The E-7A Wedgetail aircraft has a proven track record in overseas deployments. It previously supported U.S. Operations against Islamic State in Syria from 2014 to 2020 and was deployed to Europe for six months to support Ukraine, completing 45 sorties, including a 17.1-hour mission .