Mel Hupfeld

Air Marshal (Retired)

Mel Hupfeld was born in Sydney in 1962 and grew up in Broken Hill, New South Wales. He joined the Royal Australian Air Force Academy in January 1980, graduating as a pilot, with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1983.

He flew Mirage, Classic Hornet and Super Hornet fighter aircraft in several of the Air Force’s fighter squadrons and achieved over 3,500 flying hours. Mel commanded No 75 Squadron (75SQN) and led the Squadron in operations in the Middle East, as a part of Australia’s contribution to Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003. He completed several staff appointments including in the capability development and force design areas.

Mel commanded at every level within Air Force and on promotion to the rank of Air Marshal, was appointed as Chief of Joint Operations in May 2018 and subsequently Chief of Air Force in July 2019. He transitioned to the Air Force Reserve in July 2022. During 2023 he was a member of the Expert Advisory Board to develop a National Cyber Security Strategy. As part of his transition to civilian life he contributes to various Boards and Advisory Councils and provides advice as a consultant.