Australia Deploys Reconnaissance Aircraft for Security Mission in Strait of Hormuz

Australia will deploy a high-tech reconnaissance aircraft to support international efforts in keeping shipping lanes open in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been affected by the war between the United States (US) and Israel against Iran. Canberra stated that the multinational mission will focus on shipping routes and reduce the risk of conflict escalation. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, as reported by SBS News and cited by Anadolu Agency on Wednesday (13/5/2026), announced the deployment of the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail aircraft following a virtual meeting of defence ministers from more than 40 countries on Tuesday (12/5) local time. The reconnaissance aircraft was previously deployed to the Middle East region in March as part of efforts to protect the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Iranian retaliatory attacks. The Boeing E-7A Wedgetail is considered one of the world’s most advanced airborne surveillance platforms. The multinational mission, led by the United Kingdom and France, aims to protect navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Marles stated that Australia’s role in the operation will remain defensive. He also emphasised that the deployment is intended to complement diplomatic efforts and reduce the risk of further escalation. Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers warned that prolonged instability in the Middle East has affected global energy prices and could burden Australia’s economy through inflationary pressures and growth constraints. Regional tensions escalated when the US and Israel launched a joint attack against Iran on 28 February. Tehran retaliated with waves of missile and drone attacks on targets in Israel and Gulf states hosting US military assets. Iran also effectively closed the vital waterway of the Strait of Hormuz, the main route for oil and gas shipments, during the fighting. The US responded by imposing a blockade on Tehran’s ports in an effort to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire has been in place since early April through mediation by Pakistan, which was later extended indefinitely by Trump without a specified timeframe. Peace negotiations held in Islamabad in mid-April failed to produce a lasting agreement.