The Australian government has announced it will deploy an E-7A “Wedgetail” airborne early warning aircraft back to the Middle East to participate in a multinational military operation led by the United Kingdom and France aimed at safeguarding shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed the deployment on Tuesday following a virtual meeting with defense ministers from several countries. He stressed that the mission is “strictly defensive in nature,” aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation rather than escalating regional conflict.
The E-7A Wedgetail is an advanced airborne early warning and command-and-control aircraft operated by the Royal Australian Air Force, equipped with long-range radar surveillance and airborne coordination capabilities. In March this year, Australia deployed the same aircraft type to the Middle East to help defend the United Arab Emirates against Iranian attacks.
Regional tensions have remained high since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran in late February, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz heavily affected. Iran has repeatedly asserted control over the waterway and warned foreign powers against interfering in regional affairs.
Although a ceasefire between the United States and Iran has been in place since April, prospects for lasting peace remain uncertain. U.S. President Donald Trump recently described the ceasefire agreement as being in a “fragile” state, while Iran has rejected a U.S.-backed peace proposal. Multiple attacks on vessels and military standoffs have recently occurred near the strait, continuing to unsettle global energy markets.
Marles said Australia supports the restoration of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and hopes the waterway can fully reopen. He added that the military deployment is intended to complement diplomatic de-escalation efforts rather than replace political solutions.