The DGSE is a state Service under the direct authority of the executive power and operates within a very strict legal and deontological framework.
The DGSE’s activities, defined by the Political Authorities, are exclusively tasked to protect French interests. Its activities particularly contribute to protecting French citizens anywhere in the world. For this particular mission, the DGSE closely works with all the national security services.
Its scope of action mainly takes place outside France’s borders, using clandestine research methods.
The DGSE has several characteristics. It is at the same time:
An external Intelligence Service, collecting secret information abroad that concerns national security. By communicating collected elements to the Authorities, DGSE actively participates in the decision-making process. The DGSE is present, of course, in crises theatres and where French interests are at risk.
A Special Service enabling a presence where Diplomatic channels can no longer be applied. Keeping the means deployed and the targeted objectives secret also guarantees the security of our agents.
An Integrated Service, contrary to other western Intelligence Services, DGSE masters all the intelligence collecting methods: human sources (HUMINT), technical sensors (SIGINT and satellite imagery), operational means and open-source processing. Intelligence collected through collaboration with other Services, national and foreign, is positively increasing.