In brief
- New plans reveal the Australian E-7A Wedgetail spy plane is set to return to the Middle East.
- The aircraft was deployed to the Middle East in March to defend the UAE from Iranian attacks.
Australia is poised to deploy an advanced reconnaissance aircraft as part of an international initiative to ensure the safe passage of vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz.
Defense Minister Richard Marles announced the deployment of the E-7A Wedgetail, a sophisticated airborne early warning and control system, following a virtual assembly with defense ministers from around the globe on Tuesday.
The E-7A Wedgetail, recognized for its cutting-edge surveillance capabilities, was initially dispatched to the area in March to assist in protecting the United Arab Emirates from Iranian missile threats.
During the conference, Marles joined over 40 international counterparts in reaffirming their commitment to maintaining secure navigation through the strategic waterway, an effort spearheaded by the UK and France.
Since tensions escalated in the region—stemming from US and Israeli military actions against Iran on February 28—maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been significantly disrupted.
About one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas travels through the waterway, over which Iran has asserted control.
A ceasefire between the US and Iran has been in place since April.
Hopes for a peace deal have dwindled after US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire was on “life support” on Monday.
It followed Iran’s rejection of a US proposal to end the conflict, as it refuses to budge on a list of demands rejected by Trump.
Marles stressed the multinational mission to support movement through the strait was “strictly defensive”.
“Australia stands ready to support an independent and strictly defensive Multinational Military Mission, led by the United Kingdom and France, once it is established,” he said.
The multinational operation is designed to complement non-military diplomatic and de-escalation efforts, he added.
“We want to see this conflict end, the Strait of Hormuz open and freedom of navigation resume,” Marles said.
“The longer this conflict goes on, the more significant the impact on Australia will be.”
Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged the costs of a prolonged war for households and businesses, as he released the federal budget on Tuesday.
“War in the Middle East has been pushing up prices, pushing down growth, and punishing Australians,” Chalmers said in his budget speech.
He said Australia was well-placed to weather headwinds from the conflict, however acknowledged high oil prices and corresponding hits to commodities, including fertiliser, could push it to the brink of recession.
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