Multinational Mission - E-7A Wedgetail

Question

On 10 March, the Prime Minister announced the deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail and the provision of AMRAAM missiles to the UAE and at this stage that there were "a range of requests made of Australia. Also on 10 March, the Deputy Prime Minister confirmed that "a number of other countries, including the US" had made requests. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Minister Marles made it clear there had been multiple requests, he also made the point repeatedly that the Government had NOT responded to the US requests and instead responded to the UAE request. 1) Given Australia is a signatory, can you please provide an update on the France-UK-led mission? 2) Please also provide an outline of the conditions which must be met before the EU-led initiative takes place? 3) When Australia signed up to this EU led mission, were there already considerations made as to what Australia might be able to provide, when and where? Does this include the deployment of Australian Defence Force personnel? 4) What will Australia commit to this operation, under what circumstances and when will the Australian public me made aware?

Answer

Please see attached answer.

Documents

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