Discover the DGSE: history, missions, organization, operations, recruitment, areas of action and influence in global intelligence.
The DGSE (Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure) is France’s foreign intelligence agency. It reports to the Ministry of the Armed Forces. Its main mission is to gather intelligence abroad, prevent threats to French interests and conduct clandestine operations. Its role is often compared to that of the CIA in the USA or MI6 in the UK. It operates outside France and works in cooperation with other services, notably the DGSI for domestic issues.
The DGSE remains discreet in its actions, but plays a structuring role in France’s foreign policy and security. The agency works on terrorism, armed conflict and international trafficking, as well as on cyber threats and geopolitical issues.
Officially founded in 1982, it is the result of the merger of earlier organizations such as SDECE. Since its creation, it has undergone several changes to adapt to new threats. Today, it relies on a complex organization, powerful technical resources and a worldwide network.
The DGSE’s image is still influenced by a culture of secrecy and fictional representations. Yet its reality is structured, regulated and often integrated into international intelligence coalitions. The agency operates in a wide variety of fields, with a wide range of personnel profiles. This article explores its operations, missions, successes and limitations, to better understand the French foreign services today.
Introduction to the DGSE
Role and institutional affiliation
The Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure (DGSE) is France’s foreign intelligence service. It is attached to the Ministry of the Armed Forces. Its main mission is to gather intelligence abroad, in order to enlighten the highest authorities of the State. It thus contributes to national sovereignty and the protection of the country’s vital interests.
General missions abroad
The DGSE’s missions abroad are varied:
- Counter-terrorism: Identify terrorist groups, understand their organization and recruitment channels, and thwart attacks planned from abroad.
- Counter-proliferation: preventing the spread of weapons, particularly nuclear, chemical and biological.
- Geopolitics: Analyze international political situations to anticipate crises and inform French decision-makers.
- Counter-espionage: Detect and neutralize espionage activities directed against France.
- Cyberdefense: Protect French information systems against cyberattacks and intrusions.
Comparison with other international services
The DGSE is often compared with other foreign intelligence services. For example:
- MI6 (United Kingdom): Known as the Secret Intelligence Service, MI6 specializes in foreign espionage and counter-espionage activities.
- CIA (United States): The Central Intelligence Agency is responsible for foreign intelligence gathering and paramilitary operations.
Although these agencies share similar missions, their structures and institutional attachments differ. The DGSE comes under the authority of the French Ministry of the Army, while the CIA is an independent civilian agency.
History and creation
Origins: from the Central Intelligence Bureau to the creation of the SDECE
In 1940, General de Gaulle commissioned André Dewavrin, aka “Colonel Passy”, to set up an intelligence service for the Free French. This service became the Bureau central de renseignements et d’action (BCRA) in 1942. In November 1943, the BCRA merged with the Algiers special services to form the Direction générale des services spéciaux (DGSS). In October 1944, the DGSS was renamed the Direction générale des études et recherches (DGER). Finally, on December 28 1945, the Service de documentation extérieure et de contre-espionnage (SDECE) was created, consolidating the previous structures under a single entity dedicated to French foreign intelligence.
Transformed into the DGSE in 1982
On April 2, 1982, the SDECE is replaced by the Direction générale de la sécurité extérieure (DGSE). The aim of this transformation was to modernize the service and enhance its effectiveness in a changing international context. Pierre Marion is appointed first Director of the DGSE.
Post-affair reforms (Rainbow Warrior, Farewell affair)
In 1985, the Rainbow Warrior affair erupts when DGSE agents sink the Greenpeace ship in Auckland harbor, killing a photographer. This operation, dubbed “Satanic”, led to the dismissal of Admiral Pierre Lacoste, then Director of the DGSE.
At the same time, in 1981, the affaire Farewell revealed that a KGB colonel, Vladimir Vetrov, had provided the DGSE with crucial information on Soviet espionage activities. These revelations had a major impact on East-West relations and strengthened France’s position in the intelligence field.
These events lead to a series of internal reforms aimed at improving the coordination, transparency and efficiency of DGSE operations.
Key figures
Pierre Marion, first director of the DGSE
Pierre Marion (1921-2010) was the first director of the Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure (DGSE), from 1981 to 1982. A graduate of the École polytechnique, he held management positions at Air France and Aérospatiale. In June 1981, President François Mitterrand appointed him head of the Service de documentation extérieure et de contre-espionnage (SDECE), with the task of reorganizing the service. Under his leadership, the SDECE was transformed into the DGSE in April 1982. Marion initiated rapid modernization, including computerization, the creation of a division dedicated to economic intelligence, and increased recruitment of civilians from a variety of disciplines. He also relaunched intelligence operations in the Soviet Union and the United States. His mandate ended in November 1982, when he was replaced by Admiral Pierre Lacoste.
Claude Silberzahn and post-Cold War reform
Claude Silberzahn headed the DGSE from 1989 to 1993, a period marked by the end of the Cold War. A former prefect and chief of staff to the Minister of the Interior, he undertook a reform aimed at adapting the DGSE to the new geopolitical environment. Under his leadership, the agency refocused its activities on economic intelligence and the fight against arms proliferation. Silberzahn also strengthened cooperation with foreign intelligence services and improved coordination with other French agencies.
Bernard Bajolet and adapting to global terrorism
Bernard Bajolet was Director of the DGSE from 2013 to 2017. A career diplomat and former ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq and Algeria, he steered the DGSE towards the fight against international terrorism. Under his leadership, the agency stepped up its efforts against jihadist groups in the Sahel and the Middle East. Bajolet also focused on developing cyber-defense capabilities and improving surveillance technologies.
Nicolas Lerner, current Director: mission, profile, priorities
Nicolas Lerner has been Director General of the DGSE since January 9, 2024. Born in 1977, a graduate of the Institut d’études politiques de Paris, he joined the French Ministry of the Interior in 2004. After holding various positions, including coordinator for security in Corse-du-Sud, he became deputy director of the cabinet at the Ministry of the Interior in 2018. He was then appointed Director General of the Direction générale de la Sécurité intérieure (DGSI) in 2018, before taking over as head of the DGSE in 2024. Under his leadership, the DGSE focuses on modernizing its infrastructure, notably with the project for a new headquarters at Fort Neuf de Vincennes, and on strengthening capabilities in cyber defense and artificial intelligence. Lerner is also focusing on improving international cooperation and adapting to new geopolitical threats.
Internal organization
A division into directorates
The Direction générale de la Sécurité extérieure (DGSE) is structured into several main directorates, each with specific responsibilities:
- Secrétariat général pour l’analyse et la stratégie: coordinates strategic analyses and ensures the synthesis of intelligence gathered.
- Administration Division: Manages the organization’s human resources, finances and logistics.
- Intelligence Division: Responsible for gathering and analyzing information from human and technical sources.
- Operations Branch: Plans and executes clandestine operations abroad to protect national interests.
- Technical Directorate: Develops and implements advanced intelligence technologies, including electronic surveillance and cybersecurity.
This structure enables the DGSE to effectively cover the entire spectrum of foreign intelligence activities.
Number of agents (estimates)
The DGSE’s workforce has grown significantly over the years. In 2008, the agency counted some 4,400 agents. According to projections, this number should reach around 6,100 full-time equivalents in 2025, excluding the Service Action, representing an increase of 38% over 17 years. This expansion is aimed in particular at strengthening capabilities in the fields of cyber and digital intelligence.
Annual budget (public figures available)
The DGSE’s budget has also increased to support the expansion of its missions. In 2025, the agency will have a budget of 1.066 billion euros, marking an 8% increase on the previous year. This increase reflects France’s commitment to strengthening its capabilities in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital intelligence.
Missions and fields of intervention
The fight against terrorism
The Direction générale de la Sécurité extérieure (DGSE) plays a central role in the fight against terrorism. It identifies and monitors terrorist groups abroad, analyzing their structures, modus operandi and sources of funding. This information helps to prevent attacks and dismantle networks before they take action. For example, the DGSE has taken part in operations targeting the leaders of jihadist groups in the Sahel.
Monitoring crisis zones
The DGSE monitors crisis zones around the world to anticipate conflicts and assess their potential impact on national security. It gathers information on political, military and economic movements in unstable regions. This strategic intelligence helps the French authorities to make informed decisions on foreign and defense policy. For example, the DGSE has been closely monitoring developments in West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, in order to adapt French strategies in the region.
Cybersecurity and digital warfare
Faced with the rise of cyberthreats, the DGSE is investing in cybersecurity and digital warfare. It detects and neutralizes cyberattacks targeting French critical infrastructures. It also carries out offensive operations to disrupt the digital capabilities of potential adversaries. The DGSE collaborates with other national and international agencies to strengthen France’s cyber resilience.
Influence and counter-influence
The DGSE carries out influence actions to promote French interests abroad. It also engages in counter-intelligence operations to identify and counter foreign espionage or manipulation attempts targeting France. These activities protect sensitive information and maintain the integrity of French institutions. For example, the DGSE has detected attempts to interfere in national elections and taken steps to neutralize them.
Units and means of action
Clandestine units and special operations
The Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure (DGSE) has a division specialized in clandestine operations, called the Division Action. This unit is responsible for planning and executing covert missions, including sabotage, material destruction, targeted elimination, capture, interrogation, infiltration and exfiltration into hostile territory, as well as hostage rescue. Division Action agents are mainly drawn from the French armed forces, notably parachute units and special forces. They are grouped together in several specialized training centers:
- Centre Parachutiste d’Entraînement Spécialisé (CPES) at Cercottes, dedicated to clandestine operations.
- Center Parachutiste d’Instruction Spécialisée (CPIS) in Perpignan, training special commandos.
- Center Parachutiste d’Entraînement aux Opérations Maritimes (CPEOM) in Quélern, specialized in training combat swimmers.
These centers provide rigorous preparation for sensitive operations in hostile environments.
Human Intelligence (HUMINT)
Human Intelligence (HUMINT) is an essential component of the DGSE’s activities. It involves gathering information from human sources, such as informants, undercover agents or local contacts. This approach makes it possible to obtain first-hand information on subjects of strategic interest, particularly in areas where other means of gathering information are limited. DGSE agents are trained to establish and maintain networks of sources, ensuring a continuous flow of relevant information.
Electronic intelligence (SIGINT)
Electromagnetic intelligence (SIGINT) is another key capability of the DGSE. It involves intercepting, analyzing and exploiting electronic signals, such as radio and satellite communications, radar emissions and data transmissions. This discipline is divided into several branches, each focusing on specific types of signal. SIGINT is used to monitor adversary communications, detect potential threats and provide crucial information to decision-makers.
Technical sensors and satellites
The DGSE uses a range of technical sensors and satellites to gather intelligence. These include electronic listening systems, optical and infrared sensors, and observation satellites. The use of these technologies enables large-scale, real-time surveillance of areas of interest, facilitating the detection of troop movements, suspicious activities or environmental changes. These technological tools complement other forms of intelligence gathering, providing a global view of the situations being monitored.
Outstanding operations
Successful operations
The Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure (DGSE) has carried out several successful operations, notably in the field of hostage rescue. For example, in 2004, journalists Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot were freed in Iraq after several months in captivity. Similarly, in 2005, journalist Florence Aubenas regained her freedom thanks to the coordinated efforts of the DGSE. These successes demonstrate the agency’s ability to negotiate and intervene effectively in complex situations.
Notorious failures
Some DGSE operations have had unfavorable outcomes. The Rainbow Warrior affair in 1985 is a case in point. During this operation, the Greenpeace ship was sabotaged in Auckland harbor, resulting in the death of a photographer. This event provoked a major diplomatic crisis between France and New Zealand. Another notable failure was the attempt to free agent Denis Allex in Somalia in 2013. The operation resulted in the death of the hostage and two French soldiers, as well as several enemy fighters. These incidents highlighted the risks inherent in clandestine operations.
Role in recent conflicts
The DGSE has played a role in a number of contemporary conflicts. In Mali, for example, it contributed to the fight against terrorist groups operating in the Sahel region. In Syria, the agency participated in the targeting and elimination of terrorists between 2016 and 2017. Regarding Ukraine, although specific details are classified, the DGSE monitors developments in the conflict and provides analysis to guide French foreign policy. These commitments reflect the DGSE’s ongoing involvement in protecting national interests and international security.
Recruitment and profiles sought
Professions represented
The Direction générale de la Sécurité extérieure (DGSE) offers a diversity of over 300 professions. These include
- Analysts: assessing information to anticipate threats.
- Linguists: translation and interpretation of foreign languages.
- Engineers: specializing in IT, cybersecurity, cryptology and data processing.
- Field agents: intelligence gathering in the field.
Other fields include law, logistics, chemistry and finance.
Recruitment channels
The DGSE favors diversity of career paths, and offers a number of different access routes:
- External competitions: open to candidates meeting specific conditions, with written and oral tests.
- Unsolicited applications: candidates can apply directly via the official website, particularly for technical or specialist positions.
- Military recruitment: integration of former military personnel, particularly for operational units.
- Apprenticeships and internships: offers for students in various technical, logistical and administrative fields.
Selection and training
The recruitment process comprises several stages:
- Registration: submission of a complete application before the deadline.
- Admissibility tests: written tests or selection based on the candidate’s file, depending on the position.
- Admission tests: oral interviews to assess skills and motivation.
- Psychological and safety studies: in-depth assessments to verify aptitude for working in a sensitive environment.
Once selected, new agents undergo training tailored to their position, combining theory and practice, to prepare them for the DGSE’s specific missions.
Received ideas and realities
Fiction vs reality
The Direction générale de la Sécurité extérieure (DGSE) is often idealized in works of fiction. Series such as “The Office of Legends” have helped shape a romanticized image of secret agents. The reality, however, differs from these portrayals. Contrary to popular belief, DGSE missions are not limited to dangerous clandestine operations. A large part of the work consists of analytical and administrative tasks, essential for gathering and interpreting information. Moreover, agents do not have unlimited resources at their disposal, and often have to deal with budgetary and logistical constraints.
Legality and democratic control
The DGSE operates within a strict legal framework, subject to the control of French democratic institutions. Following controversial cases such as the Rainbow Warrior incident in 1985, reforms were introduced to strengthen the agency’s transparency and accountability. Internal self-control is exercised via a structured hierarchy, complemented by external controls carried out by various governmental and parliamentary bodies. These mechanisms aim to ensure that the DGSE’s activities respect the laws and democratic values of the French Republic.
Cooperation with other French services
The DGSE works closely with other French intelligence services, such as the Direction générale de la Sécurité intérieure (DGSI) and the Direction du Renseignement Militaire (DRM). This cooperation enables better coordination of efforts to protect national interests. For example, in the fight against terrorism, the DGSE provides information on external threats, while the DGSI focuses on internal threats. The DRM, for its part, provides military expertise, particularly in terms of intelligence on conflict zones. This synergy between the various agencies reinforces the overall effectiveness of the national security system.
Global influence and areas of operation
Presence in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia
The Direction générale de la Sécurité extérieure (DGSE) is active in several strategic regions. In Africa, it monitors political and security dynamics, particularly in the Sahel-Saharan strip, where operations such as Barkhane have been conducted to combat armed terrorist groups. In the Middle East, the DGSE gathers information on ongoing conflicts, such as those in Iraq and Syria, contributing to French operations such as Chammal. In Eastern Europe, it closely monitors geopolitical developments, particularly in countries such as Ukraine, in order to anticipate the impact on European security. In Asia, the DGSE focuses on nuclear proliferation and tensions in the South China Sea.
Partnerships with the Five Eyes, NATO, European Union
Although France is not a member of the Five Eyes alliance (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand), it maintains cooperative relations with these countries in the field of intelligence. Discussions have taken place in the past concerning France’s possible integration into this alliance, but to no avail. Within NATO, the DGSE works with the intelligence services of other member countries to share information and coordinate actions aimed at ensuring collective security. France also plays an active role in European Union security and defense initiatives, strengthening cooperation between European intelligence services.
Activities relating to major geostrategic issues
The DGSE plays a key role in understanding and anticipating the world’s major geostrategic issues. It is involved in the fight against international terrorism, the monitoring of nuclear proliferation programs, cybersecurity and the prevention of foreign interference. For example, the DGSE monitors activities linked to nuclear programs in Iran and North Korea, contributing to international diplomatic efforts to limit proliferation. In the field of cybersecurity, it works to detect and counter cyberthreats to French and European infrastructures. Finally, the DGSE helps protect French economic interests abroad, by monitoring the risks associated with industrial espionage and attacks on national sovereignty.
Technological and logistical resources
The French General Directorate for External Security (DGSE) relies on advanced technological and logistical resources to carry out its intelligence missions. These resources include air assets, satellites, secure telecommunications systems, local intelligence networks and data processing and analysis centers.
Airborne resources and satellites
The DGSE uses telecommunications satellites to ensure secure communications between its various units. The Syracuse (SYstème de RAdioCommunication Utilisant un SatellitE) series of satellites are deployed at altitudes of over 35,000 kilometers, and provide a high-speed link for information transmitted from land, air and sea relays. These satellites are equipped with anti-jamming systems to guarantee secure communications.
In addition, the DGSE benefits from the capabilities of Helios observation satellites, under the control of the Military Intelligence Directorate (DRM). These satellites provide high-resolution images for military and strategic intelligence.
Secure telecommunications
To protect its communications, the DGSE uses secure telecommunications systems based on dedicated military satellites. These systems ensure the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information exchanges between agents and command centers.
Local intelligence networks
The DGSE maintains local intelligence networks in various parts of the world. These networks are made up of agents in the field who gather information crucial to national security. These agents operate undercover, using advanced technologies to transmit the data collected to analysis centers in France.
Data processing and analysis centers
The information collected by the DGSE is centralized in data processing and analysis centers. These centers use cutting-edge technologies in artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data to analyze large volumes of data. The aim is to extract relevant intelligence to anticipate and counter threats to France. The DGSE is actively recruiting specialists in these fields to strengthen its analytical capabilities.
The DGSE has at its disposal a sophisticated technological and logistical infrastructure, integrating air assets, satellites, secure telecommunications systems, local intelligence networks and advanced data analysis centers, to effectively carry out its foreign intelligence missions.
Legal and control framework
The Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure (DGSE), France’s foreign intelligence service, operates within a strict legal framework defined by several pieces of legislation, and is subject to various control mechanisms designed to ensure the legality and legitimacy of its actions.
Laws governing the DGSE’s activities
The DGSE’s activities are governed by the Code de la défense, in particular articles D3126-1 to D3126-4, which specify its missions and organization. These legal provisions define the DGSE’s scope of action, including intelligence gathering, the prevention of threats to national security and the protection of the nation’s fundamental interests.
The law of July 24, 2015 on intelligence strengthened the legal framework applicable to French intelligence services, including the DGSE. This law established clear procedures for the use of intelligence techniques, while introducing guarantees for the protection of individual freedoms.
The role of the Délégation parlementaire au renseignement (DPR)
Created by the law of October 9, 2007, the Délégation parlementaire au renseignement (DPR) is a joint body of the National Assembly and the Senate. It is responsible for overseeing the government’s action in the field of intelligence, and for assessing the policy pursued in this area. To ensure effective parliamentary oversight, the DPR can hear the Prime Minister, the relevant ministers and the directors of intelligence services, including the DGSE.
La commission nationale de contrôle des techniques de renseignement (CNCTR)
The Commission nationale de contrôle des techniques de renseignement (CNCTR), established by the 2015 law, oversees the legality of intelligence techniques implemented by services such as the DGSE. Prior to any authorization by the Prime Minister, the CNCTR examines the compliance of requests, ensuring that they are justified and proportionate to the objectives pursued. This prior control ensures that the DGSE’s activities respect fundamental rights and civil liberties.
These legislative and institutional mechanisms ensure that the DGSE operates within a strict legal framework, under careful supervision, in order to reconcile operational efficiency with respect for democratic principles.
The DGSE faces future challenges
Adapting to digital technology and artificial intelligence
The Direction générale de la sécurité extérieure (DGSE) integrates advanced technologies to enhance its intelligence capabilities. For example, it is recruiting research and development engineers specialized in artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning. These experts develop automated tools for processing unstructured data such as audio recordings, texts, images and videos. The aim is to facilitate the analysis of massive volumes of data and extract relevant information.
In addition, the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) launched research projects in 2018, including ARTEMIS, a secure infrastructure tailored to the specifics of defense, designed for massive data processing, particularly based on AI.
Hybrid threats
Hybrid threats combine conventional and unconventional actions aimed at destabilizing a state or organization. They can include cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, economic pressure or the use of irregular forces. The DGSE must identify and counter these constantly evolving, multidimensional threats.
Enhanced cooperation with European partners
In the face of these challenges, DGSE works closely with its European counterparts. The European Union has set up the European Center of Excellence for Combating Hybrid Threats in Helsinki, Finland, illustrating the common desire to strengthen defense capabilities in the face of these new forms of threat.
In addition, the DGSE participates in European initiatives aimed at improving cybersecurity and developing coordinated responses to emerging challenges. This cooperation is part of an overall strategy to ensure collective security and protect national interests in a complex international environment.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.