Australian Defence Force Personnel and Key Deployments

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia and its national interests. It consists of three services: the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Australian Army, and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

As of 30 June 2025, the ADF had 58,909 active personnel and 33,269 reserve personnel, for a total strength of just over 90,000 personnel when including support from the Department of Defence and other civilian entities within the Australian Defence Organisation.

The ADF was formed in its current unified structure on 9 February 1976, bringing together the previously separate services under a single headquarters. Prior to this, the Australian Army and Commonwealth Naval Force were established on 1 March 1901.

The ADF is led by the Chief of the Defence Force, currently Admiral David Johnston, and operates under the authority of the Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, and the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Headquarters are located at the Russell Offices and Campbell Park in Canberra, ACT.

Australia’s defence budget for the 2024–25 financial year is A$55.7 billion (approximately US$36.8 billion), representing 2.02% of GDP. This expenditure ranks Australia 13th globally in military spending.

The ADF maintains a domestic defence industry that supports its operations, with annual defence exports averaging around A$2 billion as of 2018.

Personnel in the ADF can enlist from the age of 16.5 years for selection, with deployment permitted from age 18. Special forces deployment requires personnel to be at least 19 years old. Conscription is only permitted during wartime.

The ADF undertakes a range of operational deployments both domestically and internationally, including peacekeeping missions, disaster relief, and contributions to coalition operations. These deployments are conducted in accordance with Australia’s national interests and international obligations.

Key Takeaways

• The Australian Defence Force comprises the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force.
• As of June 2025, the ADF has 58,909 active personnel and 33,269 reserves.
• The ADF was unified under its current structure on 9 February 1976.
• Australia’s defence spending is A$55.7 billion for 2024–25, or 2.02% of GDP.
• The ADF is led by Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Australian Defence Force?

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia and its national interests, consisting of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force.

How many personnel are in the ADF?

As of 30 June 2025, the ADF has 58,909 active personnel and 33,269 reserve personnel, supported by civilian staff in the Department of Defence.

When was the ADF formed?

The ADF in its current unified form was established on 9 February 1976, although its constituent services date back to 1 March 1901.

Who leads the Australian Defence Force?

The ADF is led by the Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, under the authority of the Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, and the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

What is Australia’s defence budget?

Australia’s defence budget for the 2024–25 financial year is A$55.7 billion (approximately US$36.8 billion), equivalent to 2.02% of GDP.

The Australian Defence Force remains a key component of national security, maintaining readiness for both domestic support and international operations while adapting to evolving strategic challenges.