SYDNEY: Australia has announced that it will join a multinational maritime security mission led by the United Kingdom and France to safeguard shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to international media reports.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said after a meeting of defence officials from more than 40 countries that Australia will contribute an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to the mission.
He added that the aircraft is already deployed in the region, where it is supporting the protection of the United Arab Emirates from potential drone attacks.
Marles described the initiative as a “free and purely defensive multinational military mission” led by the UK and France aimed at ensuring maritime security in the strategically important waterway.
Earlier, the United Kingdom announced that it would deploy drones, fighter jets, warships, and mine-hunting equipment as part of the same multinational effort to secure shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey made the announcement during a virtual meeting with defence ministers from over 40 countries, stating that the mission would be activated under appropriate conditions.
He said the operation would be defensive, sovereign, and effective, carried out in coordination with allied nations.
Britain has also allocated £115 million in additional funding for mine-hunting drones and counter-drone systems under the initiative.
The British deployment includes advanced autonomous mine-hunting systems capable of detecting and neutralizing naval mines, as well as the Royal Navy’s “Beehive” system, which operates with high-speed unmanned “Kraken” drone boats for surveillance and threat response.
Typhoon fighter jets will also be deployed for aerial patrols over the Strait of Hormuz, along with Royal Navy mine-clearing specialists.
Additionally, HMS Dragon has already been deployed to the Middle East, with its crew receiving enhanced training to ensure operational readiness for any potential mission requirements.
