Australia names new defence leaders

The Australian government has named a new line-up of top defence leaders and senior commanders for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Subject to the Governor‑General’s consideration and approval, these changes will take effect from July 2026. The Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN will be appointed as the Chief of the Defence Force. Vice Admiral Hammond has had a distinguished career, spanning 40 years, in the Royal Australian Navy serving in frigates, and extensively in and later commanding submarines and the Australian Fleet. Appointed the Chief of Navy in 2022, Vice Admiral Hammond will continue to bring valuable insight to the role of the Chief of the Defence Force – including towards Australia’s acquisition of conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarines through AUKUS, and the delivery of Navy’s future surface combatant fleet. The government said it extends its deepest gratitude and thanks to the Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston AC RAN. Admiral Johnston will retire with the change in command in July. Admiral Johnston has served in the ADF for over 48 years, in both Navy and joint appointments. As the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, he was instrumental to the design of Australia’s future force and the subsequent ADF implementation of the 2024 National Defence Strategy. Admiral Johnston has also provided long-term leadership to ADF operations as the Chief of Joint Operations and as the Chief of Defence Force. He is the longest serving ADF officer at the three and four-star ranks, and we congratulate him, and his family, for this tremendous achievement. The Chief of Joint Capabilities, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM, will be appointed as the new Chief of Army. Enlisting as a soldier in the Army Reserves in 1987, Lieutenant General Coyle has worked at the tactical, operational and strategic levels and in command roles, including Head Information Warfare, Commander Forces Command, Commander Joint Task Force 633, Commander 6th Brigade, Commander Task Group Afghanistan and Commanding Officer 17th Signal Regiment. Lieutenant General Coyle will be the first woman in our nation’s history to command the Australian Army. The government said it extends its sincere appreciation to the retiring Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC. Lieutenant General Stuart has served with great distinction and leadership across the Army – most notably as the first Chief of Army to begin his career as a soldier. Lieutenant General Stuart has been key to preparing the Army for the changes required to the force following the 2024 National Defence Strategy. The next Chief of Joint Capabilities will be appointed in due course. Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley AM CSC RAN will be appointed on promotion as the Chief of Navy. Rear Admiral Buckley has served in Oberon and Collins class submarines, including commanding HMAS Collins and commanding the Submarine Force. He was the Head of Nuclear Submarine Capability at the Australian Submarine Agency, before becoming Deputy Chief of Navy in January 2025. This experience places Rear Admiral Buckley in a unique position to lead the Royal Australian Navy and its people over the coming years as it continues its vital contributions to the peace, safety and stability of the Indo‑Pacific region. These statutory appointments will be presented to the Federal Executive Council. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “The Australian Defence Force is tireless in its efforts to keep Australians safe – and I am so pleased to announce these new appointments. From July we will have the first ever female Chief of Army in the Australian Army’s 125 year history. I thank the outgoing Chief of Defence Force and Chief of Army for their service, and wish them well in their retirement.” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said: “It is an honour to confirm these senior appointments to lead the Australian Defence Force. I know that in these roles, each of them will continue to make an enormous contribution to the safety and security of Australia, and I look forward to working with them to do so. My sincere thanks and gratitude go to Admiral David Johnston who has led the Australian Defence Force for the past two years with enormous impact, implementing some of the most significant and consequential decisions in decades – including Defence’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans’ Suicide, driving AUKUS and the transformation of our Navy, and working with international partners to build our defence relationships. I would also like to personally thank Lieutenant General Simon Stuart for his contributions to the Australian Army at such a consequential time, and wish him and his family all the best as he retires.” The Australian Naval Institute said in a statement that it welcomes the appointment of Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN as Chief of the Defence Force. Vice Admiral Hammond has served as Chief of Navy since July 2022. In his nearly 40-year career he has served on the Collins class of submarines, commanding the HMAS Farncomb across the Indo-Pacific. Vice Admiral Hammond has played a critical role overseeing work on the multibillion-dollar AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, one of Australia’s biggest defence projects. The President of the ANI, Commodore Pete Leavy (RAN ret’d), in congratulating Vice Admiral Hammond said it was pleasing to see someone with such a distinguished naval career and a thorough understanding of the importance of maritime power to Australia’s security and prosperity being appointed Chief of the Defence Force. Commodore Leavy also congratulated Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley AM CSC RAN on his appointed as Chief of Navy to replace Vice Admiral Hammond and Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM, CSC, DSM as the next Chief of Army. Rear Admiral Buckley has served in Oberon and Collins class submarines, including commanding HMAS Collins and commanding the Submarine Force. He was the Head of Nuclear Submarine Capability at the Australian Submarine Agency, before becoming Deputy Chief of Navy in January 2025. The ANI also extended its sincere thanks to Admiral David Johnston AC RAN on his retirement as Chief of the Defence Force. 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