Australia's first female army chief Susan Coyle

Australia has appointed a woman as its first female army chief. Lieutenant General Susan Coyle has been named the new Chief of Army. She will take office in July.

A government statement said that Susan Coyle, who currently serves as Chief of Joint Capabilities, will replace Lieutenant General Simon Stewart.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, "From July, we are going to have a female army chief for the first time in the 125-year history of the Australian Army."

Defense Minister Richard Marless described the appointment as a "historic moment." He said the achievement would be an important inspiration for women serving in the Australian Defence Force and would help increase women's participation in the future.

Susan Coyle, 55, joined the army in 1987 and has served in various important command positions during her long career. She will be the first woman to lead any service branch of the Australian military.

Women currently make up about 21 percent of the Australian Defence Force, and 18.5 percent of senior leadership positions. The organization has set a goal of increasing women's participation to 25 percent by 2030.