CANBERRAm Mar 18 : An Iranian strike has struck Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, a key facility hosting Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, with no injuries reported among Australian troops.
The Australian Department of Defence confirmed that the strike occurred on the morning of 18 March 2026 (AEDT), hitting an area of the base where the ADF has maintained a long-standing presence.
“No ADF personnel were injured in the incident, and all ADF personnel deployed to the Middle East are safe and accounted for,” Defence said in a statement.
However, the strike caused minor damage to infrastructure within the Australian section of the base, including an accommodation block and a medical facility.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that no Australians were harmed, noting the projectile landed near the base at approximately 9:15 am AEDT. He described Iran’s actions as part of broader regional instability, stating the “Iranian regime is engaging in random attacks right across the region,” with the UAE experiencing heavy bombardment during the ongoing conflict.
Al Minhad Air Base hosts more than 100 Australian personnel and also accommodates British forces and a small contingent of United States military members. The facility plays a critical role as a logistics, surveillance, training, and operational hub for Australian missions in the Middle East.
Defence emphasised that its priority remains the safety of personnel, adding that force protection measures will continue to be reviewed as the situation evolves.
Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson condemned the attack, warning that it highlights that “Iran is no friend of Australia.” He also reiterated support for deploying additional surveillance capabilities, including the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail, to assist regional partners such as the UAE.
The incident marks the second time Al Minhad Air Base has been targeted during the current conflict. An earlier Iranian drone strike caused no damage to Australian facilities.
(UNI)
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