The World of Intelligence Fundamentals first: The case for foundational intelligence today
Nov 17, 2025
Join Sean Corbett, Chair of Jane's Strategic Advisory Board with a wealth of military planning experience, Dylan Lehrke, Director of Military Intelligence focusing on the intelligence cycle, and Tom Barton, defence journalist leading on-the-ground reporting. They dive into the essence of foundational intelligence, discussing how orders of battle and long-term data shape analysis. Explore the fusion of journalism with intelligence data, the challenges of OSINT, and how AI might alter traditional methods—all critical for reliable decision-making in defense.
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Foundations Enable 'So What' Analysis
- Foundational intelligence are the building blocks that enable current and predictive analysis.
- Without granular data on equipment, locations, and infrastructure you cannot infer intent or capabilities.
Evacuation Planning Example
- Sean recounted planning non-combatant evacuations where runway length and port depth were critical data.
- That pre-existing infrastructure knowledge enabled rapid operational planning under uncertainty.
Foundational Data Shapes Current Readings
- Foundational data links physical and social structures to help interpret current observations.
- Current intelligence both updates and eventually becomes part of the foundational record.