Australia Deploys Military Support to the UAE Amid Escalating Conflict with Iran

In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on March 10, 2026, that Australia will deploy military assets to assist the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid Iranian attacks. This deployment includes an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, along with approximately 85 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. The decision follows a request for assistance from the UAE, which has faced repeated strikes from Iran since the onset of the conflict.

The Sydney Morning Herald

The E-7A Wedgetail aircraft is designed for long-range reconnaissance and will help secure the airspace over the Gulf. Albanese emphasized that this deployment is purely defensive, stating, “We’re not taking offensive action against Iran, and we’ve been clear that we are not deploying Australian troops on the ground in Iran.” The aircraft is expected to be operational in the region by the end of the week, with an initial deployment period of four weeks.

The backdrop to this military assistance is a series of Iranian attacks on multiple countries, which have intensified following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Foreign Minister Penny Wong noted that Iran has attacked 12 countries and that the situation has led to significant disruptions, including the cancellation of over 27,000 flights to and from the Middle East. The UAE, home to a large population of Australian expatriates, has been particularly affected, prompting the Australian government to act.

Albanese reiterated Australia’s commitment to collective self-defense in the region, stating, “Australia has supported action aimed at preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon and preventing Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security.” Defence Minister Richard Marles highlighted the importance of the UAE's defense, noting that it is in Australia's national interest due to the significant number of Australian citizens residing there.

While the government maintains that the deployment is defensive, some critics argue that any military involvement could escalate tensions further. Concerns have been raised about the potential for Australia to become more deeply entangled in the conflict, despite assurances from Albanese and Marles that the mission is not offensive in nature.

As the situation evolves, the Australian government is encouraging citizens in the region to leave while commercial flights are still available. The deployment of the E-7A Wedgetail and associated personnel marks a significant step in Australia’s military engagement in the Middle East, with ongoing assessments of the situation expected in the coming weeks.

• “We are not protagonists. What we are doing is providing for the defence of the UAE and of Australian citizens.” — Richard Marles, Defence Minister

The Sydney Morning Herald

• “My government has been clear that we’re not taking offensive action against Iran, and we’ve been clear that we are not deploying Australian troops on the ground in Iran,” — Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister