US praises Australia for air strike move

The White House has praised Australia over its decision to join air strikes in Iraq and to send special forces military trainers to the country.

"With these deployments, Australia demonstrates its continued leadership and resolve in addressing the urgent and critical security challenges that threaten Australia, its people, and the broader international community," White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters on Air Force One.

"Australians and Americans have fought alongside each other in every major conflict over the past century, and we are grateful for Australia's further contribution," Earnest said on Friday.

Australia's cabinet earlier approved Super Hornets to start bombing raids against Islamic State extremists in coming days, supported by 400 RAAF personnel.

The RAAF will deploy six Super Hornets, a Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and a refueller.

About 200 special forces members will train and advise Iraqi forces, but are awaiting final legal approval before deploying.