The Opposition says Australia should not have refused a U-S request to send a warship to the Red Sea.

The critical waterway is coming under attack from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, disrupting important trade routes.

The federal government will send up to 16 navy personnel to help patrol the area, but Opposition Defense Spokesperson Andrew Hastie told Gary Adshead on 6PR Mornings he didn’t understand why Australia didn’t match previous contributions to similar operations.

“This is very surface level; the US expect a maritime commitment from us, and we’re breaking from history,” Mr Hastie said.

Press PLAY to hear more on the issues with Australia’s international naval commitment

Images: Sam Mooy/Houthi Movement/Getty