Australia Appoints First Woman Army Chief In 125-Year History Of Military Shake-Up

Last Updated:April 13, 2026, 17:28 IST

Lieutenant General Susan Coyle has been named the new Chief of Army and will take charge in July.

Australia on Monday said it has appointed its first woman army chief in a 125-year history, marking a major milestone during a wider shake-up of the country’s defence leadership.

Lieutenant General Susan Coyle has been named the new Chief of Army and will take charge in July, the government said. She will succeed Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, becoming the first woman to lead any service branch in Australia’s military history.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles called the appointment a “deeply historic moment", adding that it would inspire both serving personnel and future recruits.

“Susan’s achievement will be deeply significant to women who are serving in the Australian Defence Force today and women who are thinking about serving in the Australian Defence Force in the future." he said.

Coyle, currently serving as Chief of Joint Capabilities, brings nearly three decades of military experience. Since joining the army in 1987, she has served in key operational deployments in the Solomon Islands, Afghanistan and the Middle East. She has also held senior command roles across multiple areas of defence.

Australia’s military is currently undergoing significant transformation, focusing on modern warfare capabilities such as long-range strike systems, drones and advanced combat technologies.

Coyle has also shared her experience in cyber warfare and modern defence systems, saying it provides a strong foundation for her new role. “This breadth of experience provides a strong foundation for the responsibilities of command and the trust placed in me," she said.

The Australian Defence Force currently has about 21% female representation and has set a target of 25% by 2030. The appointment also comes amid ongoing scrutiny over allegations of harassment and discrimination within the military, including a class action lawsuit filed last year.

Alongside Coyle’s appointment, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond has been named the new head of the Australian Defence Force, as part of the wider leadership reshuffle. The current deputy chief of navy, Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley, will replace Hammond as head of the branch.

(With inputs from agencies)

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