Australia will deploy a military force to the Middle East as part of international efforts to combat Islamic State extremists, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has announced.

Mr Abbott said Australia had received a specific request from the US government to contribute forces to possible military action in Iraq.

Cabinet and the National Security Committee had met on Sunday to discuss the matter.

“The government has decided to prepare and to deploy to the United Arab Emirates a military force,” Mr Abbott told reporters in Darwin.

Australia’s contribution will include up to eight Super Hornet aircraft, an early warning and control aircraft, aerial refuelling aircraft and a contingent of Special Forces troops.

The prime minister emphasised that Australia was part of an international coalition.

He said the deployment did not mean Australia was at war.

“There are obviously further decisions to be taken before Australian forces will be committed to combat operations in Iraq,” Mr Abbott said.

“Nevertheless, Australia is prepared to engage in international operations to disrupt and degrade ISIL because of the threat that this murderous death cult poses not just to the people of Iraq, not just to the people of the Middle East, but to the whole world, including to Australia.”