Australia to retask E-7 Wedgetail aircraft to support multi-national operations in Strait of Hormuz

The deployment alongside allies under the multi-national freedom of navigation operations, follows a recent meeting of defence ministers from more than 40 other countries.

“Australia stands ready to support an independent and strictly defensive Multinational Military Mission, led by the United Kingdom and France, once it is established,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.

“Our intention is to contribute Australia’s world-leading E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to this defensive effort.

“While this platform is already doing work in the region, providing this capability would make a valuable contribution to the multinational mission and efforts to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

“The Multinational Military Mission is designed to complement ongoing diplomatic engagement and de-escalation efforts, while demonstrating a tangible commitment to the security of international trade.

“We want to see this conflict end, the Strait of Hormuz open and freedom of navigation resume. The longer this conflict goes on the more significant the impact on Australia will be. Our Government is doing all we can to shield Australians from the impacts.

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“We will continue to consult and work with partners to support these efforts.”

The United Kingdom has announced it will send a Daring-class air-defence destroyer, HMS Dragon, to join freedom of navigation operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Portsmouth-based Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer will be joined by autonomous mine hunting equipment, counter drone systems and Typhoon fighter jets to conduct air patrols for the future multi-national defensive mission.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.