Australia to Deploy Wedgetail to Strait of Hormuz Mission

Canberra will deploy an E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft to a France- and UK-led multinational mission to monitor and protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed.

The Wedgetail will provide airborne surveillance and situational awareness to coalition forces operating in the area. Canberra described its contribution as focused on monitoring and deterrence rather than combat operations, with Marles characterizing the mission as ‘strictly defensive.’ Officials did not provide timelines, basing locations, or details on other Australian platforms that may operate with the aircraft.

The announcement followed a recent meeting attended by representatives from roughly 40 countries that discussed measures to safeguard passage through the strait. Iranian-ordered closures related to regional conflicts have affected more than 1,500 commercial ships, according to officials, prompting calls for coordinated international activity to reduce disruptions to shipping.

A prediction market tracking whether the United Kingdom will send warships through the Strait of Hormuz by May 31, 2026, priced a YES outcome at 11%, up from 10% the day before and 8% a week earlier. A separate market on the likelihood of a strike on Iran by June showed about a 5% probability.

Further announcements on force composition and movements may come at a Defence Ministers’ meeting on May 12, 2026, and from the UK Ministry of Defence. Observers said they will watch regional naval exercises and patrols by other countries, including Russia and China, for developments that could affect activity in the area.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow international waterway through which a substantial share of seaborne oil and other commerce passes. The multinational mission led by France and the UK is intended to provide surveillance and protection for merchant shipping while avoiding direct offensive action.