Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the country will provide military support to Gulf states that have been attacked by Iranian forces using missiles and drones. This support includes the deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft, which is designed for long-range reconnaissance, aimed at enhancing the region's defense capabilities. The aircraft will be deployed for an initial period of four weeks as part of a broader initiative to support the collective self-defense of nations in the Gulf region.

In addition to the aerial reconnaissance support, Australia will provide medium-range air-to-air missiles to the United Arab Emirates. A total of 85 Australian Defence Force personnel are set to leave Australia to carry out this mission, with preparations to have them operational by the end of the week. This move is significant, as it comes in response to increasing aggression in the region, indicating Australia's commitment to international security and cooperation with allied nations.

Prime Minister Albanese emphasized that the safety of Australians remains the government's top priority, mentioning that there are approximately 115,000 Australians living in the Middle East, with around 24,000 in the UAE. By supporting Gulf nations in their defense efforts, Australia aims not only to bolster regional stability but also to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad, reinforcing the government's stance on proactive international engagement in security matters.