In conversation with the President of Command and Staff College at the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force

The Sea Power Series convenes allied senior naval speakers and key stakeholders for in-depth discussions on pressing maritime developments within allied waters. These sessions focus on collaborative efforts with the Royal Navy, addressing shared challenges and exploring strategic opportunities. Each session opens with a presentation by a featured senior naval speaker on a prominent topic, followed by an open exchange of views and ideas in a roundtable setting.

These invitation-only bi-monthly sessions are held at the In and Out Naval and Military Club.

Speakers

V. Adm. Hiroyuki Habuchi

President of Command and Staff college, Maritime Self-Defence Force

V. Adm. Habuchi Hiroyuki is President of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Forces (JMSDF) Command and Staff College, having been appointed in December 2025. He previously served in multiple submariner positions in the JMSDF, culminating in commanding JS Takashio, as well as commanding roles of Training Submarine Division 1 and Oceanography Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Support Command. He has also served in numerous shore postings, and is an alumnus of the United States Naval War College.

Honorary Chair

Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE

Honorary Chair

Dr Carl Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, a high-exporting advanced manufacturer. He is also: Chairman of the British Exporters Association; Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention; Director of the Centre of Underwater Acoustic Analysis; Professor-in-Practice at Durham University Business School; Visiting Fellow of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre; and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

For further information about the Whitehall Briefings, please email Luca Hincks, Events and Operations Coordinator, at: [email protected].