Australia sends 2 unarmed air force planes to support US-led coalition missions over Iraq
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Australia's prime minister says the air force is sending two unarmed planes to support U.S.-led coalition combat operations over Iraq, but will not yet launch its own airstrikes.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott told Parliament an E-7A Wedgetail early warning and control aircraft and a KC-30A refueling aircraft would join operations from Wednesday from the al-Minhad Air Base outside Dubai.
He says Cabinet ministers are awaiting final clearances from the Iraqi government before they make their final decision on committing to combat missions.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Australian government can commit troops to war without asking Parliament for permission.
An Australian commitment to combat has been widely anticipated since six F/A-18F Super Hornet jet fighters, along with the two support aircraft, were deployed to the United Arab Emirates two weeks ago.