Australian aircraft complete Iraq support run

Australian air force personnel have completed their first operational missions in Iraq as part of efforts to combat Islamic State extremists.

The Department of Defence said a Wedgetail early warning control aircraft and refueller aircraft supported missions flown by US and other coalition forces.

The missions were conducted without incident and both planes have now returned safely to Australia's support base in the United Arab Emirates.

The Iraqi government is yet to make a specific request for Australia to take part in a specific combat operation, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said.

Once that request comes - expected within days - the national security committee and then cabinet will have to consider it.

"We are being prudent and measured and cautious in relation to this matter," Ms Bishop said.