Find all presentations from Day Two of the Chief of Army Symposium 2026
right here!
The Chief of Army Symposium 2026 (CAS 2026) was held at the Riverside Theatre of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre over 7-8 October, and was the first symposium hosted by the 42nd Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM. As a key event in the Army’s annual calendar, the symposium provides an important forum for reflection, discussion, and analysis of contemporary security challenges.
Bringing together leaders and subject matter experts from defence, government, industry, academia, and the technology sector, CAS 2026 provided an opportunity to foster collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and support national and regional security objectives.
Under the theme Hardwired for Adaptation, the symposium examined how the Army can remain responsive and prepared in an increasingly complex and contested strategic environment. As the nature of warfare continues to evolve, ensuring Army is prepared to adapt, not only as a fighting force but also as a profession and a national institution, is paramount.
Through a series of keynote addresses and panel discussions, speakers shared their insights and experiences, which can be viewed below:
Keynote Address #5
Dr Jim Storr
Defence Analyst and Writer
Fireside Chat
Group Captain Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australian Astronaut, Australian Space Agency
Lieutenant Colonel Gabrielle Taylor, Deputy Director, Chief of Army's Initiatives Group, Australian Army
Presentation: Adaptation from the Ground Up
Colonel Jake Penley, Director G58, (Army Advanced Capabilities), Future Land Warfare
Captain Andrew Dunn-Lobban, Senior Instructor for Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS), Land Combat College
Captain Warrick Bamford, Regional Force Surveillance Group
Captain Sebastian Beoutis, 1st Armoured Regiment
Panel: Adapting Armies - the Command View
Major General Cai Dexian, Chief of Singaporean Army
Lieutenant General Donald M Gumiran, Commanding General, Philippine Army
Brigadier Hamish Gibbons, Deputy Chief of Army, New Zealand Army
Major General Chris Smith, DSC, AM, CSC, Deputy Chief of Army, Australian Army
Closing Address
Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, AM, CSC, DSM
Chief of Army, Australian Army
