Australia deploys surveillance aircraft and troops to Gulf, Greens warn against being ‘dragged' into conflict

Australia sends surveillance aircraft and troops to Middle East SBS Hindi (1).png

Foreign Minister Penny Wong says that more than 3,000 citizens have returned on commercial flights with more departures scheduled from Qatar this week. So far, 12 countries across the Middle East have been drawn into the U-S and Israeli war with Iran and Hezbollah. But Anthony Albanese says that the move is not intended as a military offensive against Iran. However, Greens Senator David Shoebridge is demanding the immediate withdrawal of Australian military assets from the Gulf. Credit: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas; AAP / Lukas Coch / Wilson Ring / Getty / Christopher Pike Stringer; AAP

Australia is deploying an E-7-A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and 85 personnel to the United Arab Emirates to bolster regional air defences. The government is maintaining the mission is strictly defensive, while the Greens warn it risks entangling Australia in an illegal conflict. Listen to this podcast and find out what it could mean for Australia.

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Published 11 March 2026 1:33pm

By Briana Charles

Presented by Swati Sharma

Source: SBS

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Australia is deploying an E-7-A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and 85 personnel to the United Arab Emirates to bolster regional air defences. The government is maintaining the mission is strictly defensive, while the Greens warn it risks entangling Australia in an illegal conflict. Listen to this podcast and find out what it could mean for Australia.

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