Australia to send surveillance plane to joint mission in Strait of Hormuz

Australia will join a "fully defensive" mission led by France and Britain to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Defense Minister Richard Marles said on Wednesday.

Australia will donate the Wedgetail E-7A surveillance aircraft, which has been deployed in the region to protect the United Arab Emirates from Iranian drone attacks, PM Marles said after a 40-nation meeting.

"Australia is ready to support an independent and fully defensive multinational military mission, led by Britain and France, after the mission is formed," PM Marles said in a statement, launching Al Arabiya from AFP (13/5).

The multinational military mission is designed to complement diplomatic engagement and de-escalation efforts, as well as "demonstrate a real commitment to the security of international trade," he said.