Australia has appointed Lieutenant General Susan Coyle as its first female chief of army, marking a historic leadership change in the 125-year history of the Australian Army.
The announcement was made on Monday as part of a wider reshuffle of Australia’s defence leadership. Coyle, currently serving as chief of joint capabilities, will assume command of the army in July, replacing Lieutenant General Simon Stuart. She will become the first woman to lead any branch of Australia’s armed forces.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the appointment as a landmark moment, saying: “From July, we will have the first ever female chief of army in the Australian Army’s 125-year history.”
There is no higher honour than serving our country.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 13, 2026
Today we’re announcing new leadership across the Australian Defence Force.
We thank Admiral David Johnston and Lieutenant General Simon Stuart for their decades of service and leadership.
All Australians owe a debt to those… pic.twitter.com/1bOnK5n5NY
Defence Minister Richard Marles called the decision “a deeply historic moment”, adding: “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.”
The Government is also pleased to recommend the appointment of Lieutenant General Susan Coyle as the next Chief of Army. Lieutenant General Coyle first enlisted as a soldier in the Army Reserves in 1987, going on to work across a number of tactical, operational and strategic…
— Richard Marles (@RichardMarlesMP) April 13, 2026
Coyle, 55, enlisted in 1987 and has served nearly four decades in the military, including senior command roles during operations in Afghanistan and the Middle East. She has also worked across emerging domains such as cyber warfare and joint military capabilities.
Her appointment comes as the Australian Defence Force faces sustained scrutiny over allegations of systemic sexual harassment and discrimination. A class action lawsuit filed last year accused the military of failing to protect thousands of female personnel from abuse.
Women currently make up around 21 per cent of the Australian Defence Force and about 18.5 per cent of senior leadership roles. The force has set a target of 25 per cent female participation by 2030 as it continues broader modernisation efforts, including investment in drones and long-range strike systems.
In the same reshuffle, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond was appointed head of the Australian Defence Force, while Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley will take over as chief of the Navy.