Australia Sends Missiles & Surveillance Jet to Aid UAE Defence

Australia will send missiles and a military surveillance aircraft to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to support air defence in the Gulf region as regional tensions rise.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will deploy an E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft and about 85 personnel to the UAE. The aircraft will assist Gulf states in monitoring airspace amid missile and drone threats.

The deployment is expected to last about four weeks and is aimed at supporting the defence of Gulf states. Albanese said Australia would not send ground troops and that the mission is defensive.

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“We are not a protagonist in this conflict,” Albanese said, adding that the deployment is meant to protect Australians in the region and support partner nations facing attacks.

Australia will also supply the UAE with medium-range air-to-air missiles designed to intercept aerial threats. The decision followed discussions between Anthony Albanese and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The announcement comes after a series of missile and drone attacks reported across the Gulf region as tensions linked to Iran and regional conflicts increase. Several Gulf states hosting United States military assets have reported explosions and interceptions of drones and missiles in recent weeks.

Officials said the Wedgetail aircraft will provide long-range surveillance and command support. It can detect aircraft, missiles and drones over large distances and help coordinate air defence responses.

The aircraft has been used by Australia in several international missions. It was deployed in Europe in 2023 to support efforts to monitor airspace during the Ukraine war.

The Australian government also cited the presence of Australian citizens across the Middle East as a factor in the decision. Officials estimate more than 115,000 Australians are in the region, including about 24,000 in the UAE.

Australian authorities said the deployment will focus on surveillance and defensive coordination with regional partners. The government said the move is intended to strengthen airspace monitoring and assist Gulf states responding to missile and drone threats.

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Defence officials said the aircraft and personnel could be redeployed or extended depending on developments in the region.