Australian Defence Force chief Admiral David Johnston confirmed that operators of the E-7 Wedgetail surveillance plane in the Middle East are actively filtering intelligence to prevent its use by the United States for offensive operations. The federal government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has extended the deployment of the advanced aircraft beyond its initial four-week mission in the United Arab Emirates, with cabinet's national security committee approving the extension. While intelligence concerning drones and airborne threats is being shared, highly trained Australian personnel are deliberately withholding information not relevant to defensive activities, ensuring their contribution remains strictly protective. This measure addresses concerns about Australia's involvement in US-led military actions, with the government maintaining its role is solely defensive.