Indonesia's Neighbour Sends Military Aid to Arab Gulf, Supplies Missiles Against Iran

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — The Australian Government has formally announced the dispatch of major military assistance to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Australia will send advanced missiles and deploy military surveillance aircraft to the Gulf region in response to attacks from Iran.

In a statement on Tuesday (10 March 2026), Albanese emphasised that this military support is aimed at helping Gulf nations defend themselves against unprovoked Iranian attacks. Nevertheless, he confirmed that Australia will not send ground troops to the Iranian region in such operations.

“Our involvement is purely defensive. And this is done to protect Australian citizens in the region and to defend our friends in the United Arab Emirates,” Albanese told reporters in Sydney, citing Reuters.

Albanese explained that Australia will deploy one of its Boeing-manufactured E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control system aircraft. The aircraft will be stationed for the first four weeks to protect airspace above Gulf nations currently in a volatile situation.

In addition to aircraft deployment, Australia will also supply advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles to the United Arab Emirates. This decision was made directly by Albanese following a telephone conversation with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“Australia’s military support will help Gulf nations defend themselves against unprovoked Iranian attacks. Australia is not a principal player or protagonist in this conflict,” Albanese stressed, continuing his explanation of his forces’ role.

The escalating conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, which is a crucial route for one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. This closure of the trade route has occurred alongside an escalation of war involving Iran in recent days.

The deteriorating security situation has also triggered a massive exodus of foreign nationals. Approximately 115,000 Australian citizens were in the Middle East when the conflict began 11 days ago, and to date, approximately 2,600 Australians have successfully returned home using commercial flights after several Gulf cities were struck by bombing by Iranian forces.