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2mo ago

Australia Names First Woman to Lead Army as ADF Chiefs Reshuffled

The timing sets up the release of the government's 2026 defence strategy later this week.

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(L-R) Newly appointed Chief of Army Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, newly appointed Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) Vice Admiral Mark Hammond and newly appointed Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley pose for photographers after a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Monday, April 13, 2026. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING
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Overview

  • Australia confirmed a senior Defence Force reshuffle Monday that takes effect in July.
  • Lieutenant General Susan Coyle becomes the first woman to lead an ADF service, moving from Joint Capabilities with long experience in cyber, space and operations in the Middle East.
  • Vice Admiral Mark Hammond will become Chief of the Defence Force, and Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley will take over as Chief of Navy.
  • Responding to questions on regional tensions, Hammond said the Navy is ready and noted Australia has received no request to help with any US move to block the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Hammond flagged recruitment as a top priority as departures sit near record lows, and the appointments come as the ADF faces a class action over alleged sexual assault and harassment ahead of the 2026 strategy release.