Australia’s deployment to the Middle East is a defensive measure, intended to protect Gulf states, Defence Minister Richard Marles said.
Australia’s Defensive Role in the Middle East
Marles stated the deployment is specifically at the request of the United Arab Emirates, which has been “under sustained attack by Iran” since the beginning of the current conflict. He emphasized that the UAE has not taken a hostile stance against Iran.
“Iran has sought to widen this conflict, attack its neighbours simply because it can, and we obviously condemn that in the strongest possible terms,” Marles said.
A Royal Australian Air Force E-7 Wedgetail reconnaissance plane and 85 personnel are expected to be operational in the region by the end of the week. Marles highlighted Australia’s expertise in operating the E-7 Wedgetail, stating it would “play a really important role.”
The aircraft will perform a similar function to its recent role in Ukraine, according to Marles. He also noted the “close and friendly” relationship between Australia and the UAE, adding that approximately 24,000 Australian expatriates reside in the country.
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