Australia's most probable contribution to the US-Israel military campaign against Iran is the Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft, according to defence experts. This advanced system, operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), is highlighted for its world-class capability in detecting and tracking aerial threats, such as drones and missiles.
Government Confirms Military Assistance Requests
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has publicly acknowledged that the Australian government has received requests to provide military support to Middle Eastern nations facing attacks from Iran. "Many countries which are non-participants have been attacked by Iran through this," Wong stated, emphasising that Australia is carefully considering the assistance. The national security committee of cabinet convened on Monday and is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday to deliberate on these requests.
Potential Australian Contributions
Defence analysts believe Australia's assistance could focus on enhancing defence against drone and missile strikes, particularly targeting oil infrastructure. While the Australian Defence Force lacks deployable missile defence systems like the Patriot, it is in the process of introducing NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) for short- and medium-range threats.
Retired Australian Army Major General Fergus McLachlan, with experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, told the ABC that the Wedgetail aircraft is the most likely contribution. "It has done deployments into eastern Europe where, based out of Poland, it has the ability to observe drones and missiles that are heading towards Ukraine. I think that would be the most suitable contribution we could make," he explained. The RAAF bases six E-7A Wedgetail aircraft at Williamtown air force base near Newcastle.
Operational Challenges and Limitations
McLachlan noted that deploying Wedgetail aircraft to the region presents complexities, as flight crews would be aware of US and Israeli offensive operations against Iran. "The government will be spending time making sure that the role of the Awacs is deconflicted from that offensive activity," he said. Other RAAF aircraft, such as the EA-18G Growler, F/A-18F Super Hornet, or F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, could potentially intercept drones, but the government has not indicated plans for their use.
Wong has explicitly ruled out deploying Australian Defence Force personnel directly into combat or contributing ground troops. "This is not Iraq, and we are not the Howard government, we are not asking Australians to accept Australian men and women being deployed into a ground war," she affirmed on Sunday, outlining clear parameters for engagement.
Current Australian Activities in the Region
The Australian Defence Force has initiated Operation Beech, a consular effort to assist Australians stranded in the Middle East. This includes deploying a RAAF C-17A Globemaster heavy transport aircraft and a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport for contingency planning. Wong and senior ministers continue to advise Australians to use commercial flights for repatriation, with dozens evacuated from Qatar to Saudi Arabia due to limited airspace.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed on Friday that three Australian sailors were aboard a US submarine that sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, resulting in at least 87 fatalities.
Domestic and International Opposition
The Greens have criticised Wong's statements, warning of "mission creep" and opposing Australia's involvement in another prolonged conflict. Greens foreign affairs spokesperson David Shoebridge urged Labor to prevent intelligence from facilities like Pine Gap from being used in the conflict. International law scholars, former diplomats, and intelligence officials argue that the war on Iran violates international law and risks escalating into a broader confrontation.
Within the Labor Party, grassroots groups such as Labor Against War have condemned the bombings, called for withdrawal of support, and advocated for exiting the Aukus nuclear submarine deal. In contrast, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott criticised the government for not assisting the US, stating that destroying Iran's nuclear ambitions would make the world safer.
Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson has requested a briefing on the government's plans, highlighting ongoing political scrutiny over Australia's potential role in the conflict.
