DGSE: The French Foreign Intelligence Service

The DGSE is composed of the intelligence directorate, the administration directorate, the technical directorate, the operations directorate, the strategy directorate, as well as other structures placed under the authority of the director general.

Table of Contents:

• Presentation
• Missions
• Developments

The General Directorate of External Security (DGSE) is France's main external intelligence service. Its structure is inherited from the Central Bureau of Intelligence and Action (BCRA), which was Charles de Gaulle's information service. Following multiple transformations, on April 2, 1982, the DGSE came into being.

Its mission consists of seeking secret information abroad, enabling national defense and security to be ensured. It works in collaboration with local authorities and participates in their decision-making. It helps maintain a presence where diplomatic channels can no longer be used. The DGSE obtains information through numerous field agents who are at the center of global problems, such as terrorism. It also obtains data through cooperation with other services, French and foreign. The DGSE has a capacity for obstruction and clandestine action.

The DGSE's mission is to seek secret information abroad, of interest to national defense and security, such as counter-terrorism and crisis intelligence. It carries out research, collection and exploits data relating to geopolitical and strategic issues as well as those linked to threats and risks likely to affect the life of the nation. It contributes to the knowledge and anticipation of these issues as well as to the prevention and obstruction of these risks and threats. 

The DGSE operates on all fronts where threats are present and fights against all forms of foreign interference, terrorism, crime, organized delinquency and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

It is also present beyond borders and applies clandestine research methods there in the utmost discretion. Secrecy is heavily guarded and guaranteed by DGSE security.

The DGSE brings together 79 job families in 22 areas of expertise. The professions practiced within the DGSE are multiple and varied. It has more than 7000 employees from all professional fields including military personnel.

During a visit on May 6, 2021 to the Boulevard Mortier premises, President Emmanuel Macron announced the relocation of the DGSE to Fort Neuf de Vincennes, located in Paris, in the 12th arrondissement. Work will begin in 2024, and the transfer should be completed by 2028. The cost of the operation is expected to amount to 1.3 billion euros. The new site will host shared platforms with other intelligence agencies, such as the Military Intelligence Directorate (DRM), the Defense Intelligence and Security Directorate (DRSD) and the Cyber Defense Command (COMCYBER).