Australia Sends Spy Plane and Missiles to UAE to Help Defend Against Attacks

Australia is sending a special spy plane and missiles to the UAE. This is to help protect against recent drone and missile attacks in the region.
By Newsroom | Defence, International Relations |

Canberra is dispatching a specialized E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and supplying air-to-air missiles to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This move, described by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as a defensive measure to protect civilians and Australians in the region, involves bolstering the UAE's air defence capabilities. The assistance comes as regional conflict intensifies, with ongoing missile and drone attacks impacting the Gulf.

Australia to send aircraft and air-to-air missiles to Gulf to ‘protect and defend’ civilians, PM says - 1

The deployment includes 85 personnel to operate the E-7 Wedgetail, which is noted as a leading reconnaissance and command aircraft. Australia is also transferring AIM-120 advanced medium-range, air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) to the UAE. These missiles are capable of intercepting drones, a critical need given the recent escalation of attacks. The UAE has reportedly intercepted over 1,000 Iranian ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, underscoring the demand for enhanced defence support.

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Australia to send aircraft and air-to-air missiles to Gulf to ‘protect and defend’ civilians, PM says - 2

Prime Minister Albanese has explicitly stated that Australia will not be sending ground troops into Iran, nor will it participate in offensive actions against Iranian territory. The government's stated objective is to provide an "enabling role" for the UAE's existing defence systems. This initiative follows recent talks between Prime Minister Albanese and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and an overnight conversation with US President Donald Trump. The deployment is also seen in the context of broader international concerns about potential disruptions to energy markets and international shipping routes stemming from prolonged conflict.

The decision to send military assets follows a significant escalation on February 28, when joint US and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military and leadership sites, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf. Australia has also recently deployed a C-17 transport aircraft and a KC-30A refuelling aircraft to the region, further underscoring its engagement.

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For Australians, the situation remains fraught with risk. The Smartraveller advisory website continues to recommend that citizens avoid travel to a number of countries, including Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, the UAE, and Yemen. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's crisis portal is actively monitoring and assisting Australians in Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and the UAE. The presence of approximately 115,000 Australians in the broader Middle East region, with around 24,000 located in the UAE, appears to be a significant factor informing Canberra's response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Australia sending a spy plane and missiles to the UAE?
Australia is sending an E-7A Wedgetail spy plane and air-to-air missiles to the UAE to help improve its air defence. This is a defensive measure because of increasing missile and drone attacks in the region.
Q: What specific military equipment is Australia sending to the UAE?
Australia is sending an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft, which has 85 personnel to operate it. They are also sending AIM-120 advanced medium-range, air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) which can shoot down drones.
Q: Will Australia send ground troops or attack Iran?
No, Australia's Prime Minister stated that Australia will not send ground troops to Iran or take part in attacks on Iran. The goal is to help the UAE defend itself.
Q: How many Australians live in the UAE and the wider Middle East?
There are about 115,000 Australians living in the Middle East region. Around 24,000 of them are in the UAE, which is a reason Australia is helping with defence.
Q: What is the current travel advice for Australians in the Middle East?
Australians are advised to avoid travel to many countries in the Middle East, including Iran, Israel, and Syria. The government is watching the situation closely and helping Australians in countries like Bahrain, Iran, Israel, and the UAE.