The Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) is the professional head of the Namibian Defence Force. He is responsible for the administration and the operational control of the Namibian military. The position was established after Namibia became independent in 1990. The current chief is Air Marshal Martin Pinehas, he succeeded Lieutenant general John Mutwa.

List of chiefs

No.PictureChief of the Defence ForceTook officeLeft officeTime in officeRef.
1Hamaambo, DimoLieutenant general Dimo Hamaambo (1932–2002)March 1990November 200010 years, 7 months
2Huwala, SolomonLieutenant general Solomon Huwala (1936–2025)November 2000October 20065 years, 11 months
3Shalli, MartinLieutenant general Martin Shalli (born 1954)October 2006July 20092 years, 9 months
Nambundunga, PeterMajor general Peter Nambundunga (1947–2019) ActingJuly 2009January 20111 year, 7 months
4Ndaitwah, EpaphrasLieutenant general Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah (born 1952)January 201131 December 20132 years, 11 months
5Mutwa, JohnLieutenant general John Mutwa (1960–2021)31 December 201331 March 20206 years, 3 months
6Pinehas, MartinAir Marshal Martin Pinehas (born 1962)1 April 2020Incumbent6 years