Australia will send air-to-air missiles to the United Arab Emirates and deploy a long-range surveillance aircraft to help protect Gulf airspace amid the escalating conflict with Iran.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the deployment, which includes a Boeing E‑7A Wedgetail reconnaissance aircraft and supporting personnel, is intended to support the region’s collective self-defence.

Speaking at a news conference, Albanese said: “Helping Australians means also helping the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf nations defend themselves against what are unprovoked attacks.”

He added that the move is defensive only, stressing that Australia is not deploying troops or taking offensive action against Iran.