By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Over the past three months, Australia’s E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft was deployed 45 times near Ukraine as part of NATO’s monitoring efforts. The aircraft provided critical surveillance, early warning, and communications support, often responding to potential threats. The missions, which included patrols over supply lines delivering aid to Ukraine, were praised by NATO officials for their valuable intelligence contributions. The Australian crew’s deployment, which is now concluding, facilitated seamless operations within NATO command and provided invaluable real-world experience. Australia’s ongoing contributions to supporting Ukraine have been significant, including $1.5 billion in military and humanitarian aid.
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High-tech Australian spy plane deployed 45 times during NATO mission to help Ukraine, and that’s a story worth unpacking. But first, let’s get one thing straight: while the term “spy plane” might roll off the tongue easily, we really should be calling it an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) jet, specifically an E-7 Wedgetail. Think of it like a flying radar station, a bit like the US’s E-3 AWACS. The distinction is crucial, believe me. If one of these aircraft were forced down and its crew captured, the implications change dramatically. Military personnel have protections under the Geneva Conventions. Spies, on the other hand, don’t. So, while the popular phrasing is tempting, let’s stick to the correct terminology for the sake of those involved.
So, here’s what’s been happening: Australia has been playing a role in the NATO mission to support Ukraine, and it’s doing it with some impressive hardware. The E-7 Wedgetail has flown 45 missions, a testament to the commitment. That’s fantastic. It’s also excellent training for the crews, operating in an environment that, thankfully, is relatively low-risk. Australia’s support doesn’t stop there. They are teaming the E-7 with the new Australian-built MQ-28 Ghost Bat drones, essentially a force multiplier. This kind of collaboration is a smart move, and it’s more than some European countries are doing, unfortunately. I mean, let’s be honest, we all appreciate those who step up and get involved.
Now, let’s talk about the Australian military in general. It might seem small on a global scale, but it packs a serious punch. It’s the third-largest operator of stealth aircraft, which is pretty remarkable when you consider the budget and the size of the population. The personnel are also a key part of this success story, apparently a lot of the people in the Australian Defense Force (ADF) are there because they genuinely love what they do. This enthusiasm and dedication are essential.
Regarding the capabilities of these aircraft, they aren’t just for show. The E-7, like similar aircraft, has an Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) capability. Now, the distinction between ELINT and actual “spying” is important here. ELINT, or signals intelligence, is about gathering information from the electromagnetic spectrum – radio waves, radar signals, and the like. It’s a crucial aspect of modern warfare, and it isn’t the same as clandestine espionage. These aircraft file flight plans, fly regular routes, and aren’t carrying any weapons. True spying is covert, secret, and outside of the accepted norms.
It’s worth noting the UK’s involvement as well. They’re deeply involved in programs like Tempest, and have global force projection capabilities. The UK is also sending in material support. Australia, while having a different strategic situation, is still making a significant contribution. They’re a regional power, and they’re using their assets in a way that provides valuable support, again, in this effort to help Ukraine.
The debate sometimes centers around whether to categorize these aircraft as “spy planes.” While the term might be catchy, it isn’t accurate. When we’re talking about military aircraft, reconnaissance, surveillance, and ELINT-gathering activities are all within the bounds of standard military operations. The people on board these aircraft are uniformed military personnel, not clandestine operatives. Labeling them as “spies” needlessly puts them at risk.
Let’s also not forget Australia’s other contributions. They’ve designed the Nulka decoy system, which protects ships against anti-ship missiles. That system is used on many ships of the US Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and Royal Canadian Navy. They also have some impressive equipment. Apparently, they also have P-8 Poseidon aircraft, designed for maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, so they aren’t short on modern equipment.
The bottom line is that Australia is playing a vital role in supporting the NATO mission to assist Ukraine. They’re contributing highly capable aircraft, trained personnel, and advanced technology. And that, in itself, is a testament to the country’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and broader security operations.