Australian military plane to join efforts to reopen strait of Hormuz, as Marles leaves door open to sending more assets
Summary
Australia will send a high-tech military plane called the Wedgetail to help reopen the strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route near Iran that has been blocked or limited due to conflict. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the country supports a peaceful international mission led by the UK and France to keep the strait open for ships.Key Facts
- Australia is sending the E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to join an international mission in the strait of Hormuz.
- The strait of Hormuz has been closed or restricted since a US-Israel attack began in February.
- Defence Minister Richard Marles attended a meeting with defence ministers from 40 countries to discuss reopening the strait.
- Australia’s Wedgetail plane has been in the UAE since March, helping protect Gulf countries from Iranian attacks in a defensive role.
- Australia is providing advanced air-to-air missiles (Amraams) to the UAE for self-defense.
- The international mission aims to support freedom of navigation through the strait through diplomatic, economic, and military means.
- Australia may send more defence resources to the Middle East depending on the evolving situation.
- The Australian government’s 2024 budget included a large increase in defence spending over ten years.
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