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Australia to Send Military Personnel but No Warship to Protect Cargo Shipping in the Red Sea
Australia has announced that it will send 11 military personnel to support a US-led mission aimed at protecting cargo shipping in the Red Sea. However, Defense Minister Richard Marles clarified that Australia will not be sending a warship or plane, as its military focus needs to remain on the Pacific region.
The decision comes after the United States revealed plans to create a multinational force to safeguard commercial shipping from attacks by drones and ballistic missiles originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. In January, the Australian military personnel will join Operation Prosperity Guardian’s headquarters in Bahrain, where five Australians are already stationed.
While Australia will not contribute a ship or plane, Marles emphasized that the country’s contribution to the combined maritime force will nearly triple. He reiterated the strategic importance of maintaining focus on the northeast Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, the East China Sea, and the Pacific, highlighting concerns over China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
Australia, a close military ally of the United States, recently entered into a security pact that includes Britain, enabling the sale of Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. Despite criticism from opposition lawmakers who argue that not sending a warship undermines Australia’s reliability as a partner and ally, Marles dismissed the claims as “patently ridiculous.” He emphasized the need to prioritize the Asia-Pacific region and stated that diverting major assets to the Middle East would hinder Australia’s immediate regional objectives.
Opposition defense spokesman Andrew Hastie urged Australia to send a warship, asserting that it is in the country’s national interest to contribute and reciprocate support from others. The attacks in the Red Sea have damaged several cargo ships, leading multiple shipping companies to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until security conditions improve.
The decision to send military personnel instead of a warship aligns with Australia’s strategic focus on the Pacific region while fulfilling its commitment to the US-led mission in protecting cargo shipping in the Red Sea.,
Australia has decided to deploy military personnel to safeguard cargo shipping in the Red Sea. This decision comes amidst growing concerns regarding the security of trade routes in the region. By sending military forces, Australia aims to protect its national interests and ensure the safe passage of its exports and imports through this vital maritime corridor. This move reflects the country’s commitment to maintain global trade stability and contribute to international maritime security efforts.
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