Chief Of Air Force Directive – September 2025 655/25/26 – Document (pdf, 831.46 Kb)

Written by Claude Haiku 4.5 from the extracted text on 27 Feb 2026. It can miss or misread redacted and scanned pages. Check the source before relying on it.

The Chief of Air Force's September 2025 directive outlines budget management measures for the 2025-26 financial year in response to identified spending pressures. The directive mandates the Head of Air Force Capability to review acquisition priorities and propose offset options including project delays, scope reductions, and divestments to achieve in-year affordability. Sustainment operations face similar constraints, with potential reductions in operational tempo and platform availability. Workforce management measures include capping Reserve Service Days for SERCAT 3 and 5 aviators at 150 days annually (requiring Chief of Air Force approval for exceptions), establishing a maximum 50-day leave balance for aviators with mandatory leave plans by 17 October 2025, and prioritising military and APS personnel over contracted resources. The directive restricts new contract approvals to senior leadership (Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Commander Australia, and Head of Air Force Capability) and