Mel Hupfeld AO DSC

Air Marshal (Retired) Mel Hupfeld AO DSC is an accomplished senior executive who commanded at every level of the Royal Australian Air Force.

Promoted to Air Marshal in 2018, he was appointed Chief of Joint Operations before becoming Chief of Air Force in 2019. He transitioned to the Air Force Reserve in 2022 after more than four decades of service.

Throughout his career, Hupfeld flew Mirage, Classic Hornet and Super Hornet fighter aircraft, accumulating more than 3,500 flying hours. He commanded No. 75 Squadron and led operations in the Middle East as part of Australia’s contribution to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. He also held a range of senior appointments in capability development, force design, and strategic leadership.

Hupfeld completed the Royal Air Force Advanced Command and Staff Course and earned a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College London. He joined the Royal Australian Air Force as an Academy Cadet in 1980 and graduated as a pilot with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1983.

Since leaving full-time military service, he has contributed to national policy development, including as a member of the Expert Advisory Board, supporting the development of Australia’s National Cyber Security Strategy. He continues to provide expertise in national security, cyber strategy and organisational leadership through advisory and board roles.