Australia has announced the deployment of a long-range military surveillance aircraft and missiles to the Persian Gulf region, citing potential threats of Iranian attacks on 12 countries. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Royal Australian Air Force will send an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and support personnel for four weeks to strengthen airspace monitoring and regional security.

According to Australian authorities, the deployment follows a request from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In addition to the aircraft, Australia will supply the UAE with advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles. Albanese emphasized that the move is defensive, aimed at enhancing the Gulf nations’ protective capabilities and ensuring airspace safety.

The decision came after a phone conversation between Albanese and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The prime minister also cited the safety of approximately 115,000 Australian citizens living in the Middle East, including 24,000 in the UAE, as a key reason for the deployment.