An Australian defence analyst who warned of Australia’s precarious fuel supply problem more than a decade ago says politicians were told to “keep quiet” about the vulnerability and focus on election issues.

He said the Royal Australian Air Force will send an E7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and supporting personnel to “protect and secure airspace above the Gulf” for the next four weeks, and help the region with its “collective self-defence”.

Speaking on Tuesday, Albanese said the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) would dispatch an E-7A Wedgetail long-range surveillance aircraft along with