2 July 2025
Joint Capabilities Group’s transformation over eight years tells the story of the Australian Defence Force shifting, shaping and integrating to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare.
Established in July 2017, Joint Capabilities Group (JCG) had a diverse range of responsibilities including information warfare, joint capabilities, logistics, health, education and support services.
The Defence Strategic Review and the National Defence Strategy then transformed JCG into a one-stop-shop for Defence.
Chief of Joint Capabilities, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, often says she wears two hats: space and cyber, and national support.
“JCG is a force generator, force employer and a capability manager as well as an assurance provider and service deliverer,” she said.
Key milestones in the group’s journey include the launch of Space Command in March 2022, the creation of Cyber Command in 2024, and the establishment of the Joint Force Space and Cyber Components in 2024.
“After a not-so-insignificant orchestration of reform and realignment, JCG now brings together cyber provisioning, cyber warfare, space operations, joint training, logistics and more under one cohesive, integrated structure,” Lieutenant General Coyle said.
'In an era defined by complexity, JCG stands as a symbol of Defence’s ability to adapt, integrate and deliver.'
“462 Squadron (JCG’s oldest unit) represents our ability to honour history while being a leader in the delivery of combat-focused cyberspace effects.
“Its evolution from a World War 2 bomber unit to a cyber warfare squadron is symbolic of Defence’s transformation in the digital age.”
At the other end of the timeline is JCG’s youngest unit, the Defence School of Space and Cyber (DSSpC), which was officially opened in January 2023 and transitioned to Joint Training Command in January 2025.
“JCG’s evolution reflects more than structural change; it represents a paradigm shift in how Defence approaches operations across all five warfighting domains,” Lieutenant General Coyle said.
“In cyber and space, evolution is not optional, it’s essential.
“At the core of JCG’s mission is its people. Every mission or capability delivered, reform undertaken, and decision made is driven by the purpose of empowering personnel in Defence to operate effectively in increasingly contested and complex environments.”
The skills, training and dedication of JCG’s diverse teams of professionals from all three services, the public service and industry were key to ensuring the group fulfilled its accountabilities and remained positioned to achieve its mission.
She said that as the group turned eight-years-old, on July 1, it looked to the future with confidence and clarity.
“In an era defined by complexity, JCG stands as a symbol of Defence’s ability to adapt, integrate and deliver.
“As the group moves into its ninth year, the mission is clear: to generate and deliver space and cyber power, information operations and national support effects, as part of the integrated force in competition and conflict.”
