Australia sends a long-range military aircraft and missiles to the Gulf to protect its citizens amid escalating West Asia tensions.

ISTANBUL: Australia will deploy a long-range military surveillance aircraft and advanced missiles to the Gulf region to help protect its citizens during the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the move, stating an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft would be sent to provide long-range reconnaissance and help secure the airspace over the Gulf.

“The Wedgetail will provide long-range reconnaissance capability, which will help to protect and secure the airspace above the Gulf,” Albanese told reporters in Canberra.

He said the aircraft and supporting Australian Defence Force personnel would be deployed for an initial four weeks in support of the collective self-defence of Gulf nations.

The decision followed discussions with United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and requests from other regional partners.

Australia also intends to provide advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles to the UAE.

Albanese noted the conflict had intensified over the past week, with several countries across the region facing missile and drone threats.

He warned that attacks pose serious risks to civilian lives, revealing the UAE alone has intercepted more than 1,500 rockets and drones.

“There are more than 20,000 Australians living in the UAE and about 115,000 across West Asia,” Albanese said, adding that protecting Australians abroad remains the government’s top priority.

He clarified, however, that his government is not taking offensive action against Iran and will not deploy ground troops.

Regional tensions have escalated since a large-scale US and Israeli attack on Iran on Feb. 28, which killed more than 1,250 people including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with sweeping barrages targeting US bases, diplomatic facilities, military personnel across the region and multiple Israeli cities.

 The Sun Malaysia