Royal Australian Air Force Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Royal Australian Air Force has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and joint systems.

Driven by national security, Royal Australian Air Force focuses on air power and maintaining a robust aerial defense capability for Australia.

Leadership Roles at Royal Australian Air Force

  • Chief Executive Officer - Timothy Aplaon
  • President - David Oam
  • Chief of Staff - Bradley Boardman
  • Division Joint Systems Casg Chief of Staff - Warren Bishop
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, HQAC - Kristine Johnston
  • Timothy Aplaon - Chief Executive Officer

    Timothy Aplaon, the Chief Executive Officer at Royal Australian Air Force, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for the organization. This leadership position involves setting the strategic vision for air warfare capabilities and ensuring alignment with national security objectives. Overseeing all major departmental functions, Timothy Aplaon drives the execution of air power initiatives across the Australian Defence Force. The Chief Executive Officer role necessitates close collaboration with government bodies and defense stakeholders to secure resources and maintain operational readiness. By defining key performance indicators and strategic priorities, Timothy Aplaon ensures the RAAF effectively meets its mandate in safeguarding Australian airspace and interests. This executive function is critical for maintaining the RAAF's technological edge and operational superiority in a dynamic geopolitical landscape.

    David Oam - President

    David Oam, the President at Royal Australian Air Force, leads critical strategic initiatives and represents the organization in key forums. This executive position involves driving forward the RAAF's mission through focused leadership and strategic oversight. David Oam is responsible for championing advancements in air power and ensuring the RAAF remains at the forefront of defense technology. The President role necessitates strong engagement with external stakeholders, including government agencies and international partners, to foster collaboration and support. By guiding the development and implementation of key programs, David Oam ensures the RAAF effectively addresses contemporary security challenges. This leadership is fundamental to maintaining the RAAF's operational effectiveness and its contribution to Australia's national security.

    Bradley Boardman - Chief of Staff

    Bradley Boardman, the Chief of Staff at Royal Australian Air Force, manages the internal operations and administrative functions supporting the Chief Executive Officer. This role is pivotal in coordinating staff activities, facilitating communication across different branches, and ensuring the efficient execution of directives. Bradley Boardman oversees the strategic planning process, translating high-level objectives into actionable plans for various operational units. The Chief of Staff function involves rigorous oversight of resource allocation and personnel management to optimize RAAF's effectiveness. By streamlining internal processes and enhancing inter-departmental collaboration, Bradley Boardman ensures that the RAAF operates with maximum efficiency and responsiveness. This leadership ensures that the RAAF's strategic goals are effectively implemented across all levels of the organization, contributing directly to national security initiatives.

    Warren Bishop - Division Joint Systems Casg Chief of Staff

    Warren Bishop, the Division Joint Systems Casg Chief of Staff at Royal Australian Air Force, spearheads the integration and management of complex joint systems within the organization. This critical role focuses on ensuring seamless interoperability and operational effectiveness of advanced technological platforms. Warren Bishop directs the strategic deployment and maintenance of these systems, crucial for modern aerial warfare and national security operations. The Division Joint Systems Casg Chief of Staff function involves close coordination with acquisition programs and technology development teams to maintain a cutting-edge capability. By optimizing the performance and integration of joint systems, Warren Bishop directly enhances the RAAF's ability to conduct sophisticated air operations. This leadership ensures that the RAAF leverages its technological investments to their fullest potential, supporting Australia's defense posture.

    Kristine Johnston - Deputy Chief of Staff, HQAC

    Kristine Johnston, the Deputy Chief of Staff, HQAC at Royal Australian Air Force, supports the Chief of Staff in managing headquarters operations and strategic initiatives. This executive function involves overseeing key administrative and operational support services essential for the RAAF's command structure. Kristine Johnston plays a vital role in ensuring the effective implementation of policies and procedures across the headquarters. The Deputy Chief of Staff, HQAC role requires a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and strategic planning to facilitate efficient decision-making. By coordinating departmental activities and managing critical information flows, Kristine Johnston ensures the smooth functioning of HQAC. This leadership contributes significantly to the RAAF's overall operational readiness and its capacity to respond to evolving defense requirements.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Royal Australian Air Force Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Royal Australian Air Force?
    Royal Australian Air Force is led by Timothy Aplaon (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as David Oam (President) and Bradley Boardman (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Royal Australian Air Force’s executive team?
    The executive team of Royal Australian Air Force includes leaders such as Timothy Aplaon (Chief Executive Officer), David Oam (President), Bradley Boardman (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Royal Australian Air Force have?
    Royal Australian Air Force has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Royal Australian Air Force’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Royal Australian Air Force includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief of Staff, Division Joint Systems Casg Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, HQAC.