Judith Collins: Defence Minister on sending defence force plane to the Middle East - Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

A Defence Force team is heading to the Middle East, ready to assist an estimated 180 Kiwis spread between Iran and Israel.

Defence Minister Judith Collins announced a Hercules will leave today for an undisclosed destination, for security reasons.

Airspace in the region is closed, and it's unknown when it will re-open.

Collins says our Defence team will be ready to help.

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