Vice Admiral David Johnston has been appointed as the new Chief of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), alongside Air Marshall Robert Chipman who has been assigned as Vice Chief.

Johnston will be the first Navy chief to become chief of the ADF in 22 years and will take on the role as the defence force undergoes a strategic review.

“I am very conscious of the responsibility that comes with the role, the strategic environment in which we find ourselves and most particularly the responsibility I have to the extraordinary men and women in the Australian Defence Force and the families who support them,” he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wished them both well in their service to the Australian people and the country’s military.

“I look forward to working with you to plan and deliver a more integrated and focused Defence Force,” he said.

“I’d like to congratulate all personnel for accepting these appointments, and leading the Australian Defence Force with the values and tenets the Australian public expect of our military leaders.”

The announcement comes as Australia considers expanding its partnership with the United States and United Kingdom, AUKUS to include Japan in some of the alliance’s military.

Johnston’s most significant projects will be the AUKUS agreement which would allow Australia to purchase nuclear-powered submarines. The first stages of construction are scheduled to start later this decade.

Johnston will replace General Angus Campbell, who has served as Defence Chief since 2018 and is the longest-serving head of the Defence Force.

Photo by Jay Cronan is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. The image has not been modified.