torsdag 6 mars 2025

How good is France's intelligence now that America has stopped sharing theirs with Ukraine? Can it replace the USA's?

 Here’s the translation of my text into English:




Me: 

How good is France's intelligence now that America has stopped sharing theirs with Ukraine? Can it replace the USA's? For example, can they detect when bomber planes take off from Russia towards Ukraine?


AI, DeepSeek: 

France's intelligence services are among the most advanced in Europe and have significant capabilities to collect and analyze information, including monitoring Russian military movements such as bomber planes heading towards Ukraine. However, directly comparing France's intelligence capabilities to those of the USA is complex, as the US intelligence community (IC) is globally the largest, most resource-rich, and technologically advanced. Here’s a closer look at France’s capabilities and how they could impact the situation in Ukraine:


France’s Intelligence Capabilities:  

1. DGSE (General Directorate for External Security): France’s primary foreign intelligence service, known for its ability to operate globally, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. DGSE has advanced signals intelligence (SIGINT) and satellite surveillance capabilities.  

2. DRM (Military Intelligence Directorate): Responsible for military intelligence and has strong technical surveillance capabilities, including monitoring aircraft movements.  

3. Satellite Surveillance: France has access to advanced spy satellites that can track military movements in real time.  

4. HUMINT (Human Intelligence): France has a strong network of agents and sources, especially in regions where it has historical influence, such as Africa and the Middle East.  


Can France Replace US Intelligence Support to Ukraine?  

France has the ability to contribute important intelligence to Ukraine, including tracking when Russian bomber planes take off and providing information on military targets. However, there are some limitations:  

1. Scope: The US intelligence network is global and has a much greater capacity to collect and analyze information from multiple sources. France does not have the same scope or resources.  

2. Technical Capabilities: The US has superior technical surveillance, including advanced satellites, drones, and signals intelligence systems like the NSA (National Security Agency).  

3. Cooperation: The US has a broad network of allies and partners that share intelligence. France would need to work closely with other European countries (such as the UK, Germany, and Poland) to compensate for the absence of US support.  


Can France Track Russian Bomber Planes and Provide Information to Ukraine? 

Yes, they can. France has the ability to:  

- Track when Russian bomber planes take off from bases near Ukraine.  

- Identify flight routes and potential targets.  

- Share this information with Ukraine to improve their ability to defend themselves or counterattack.  

France’s satellites and signals intelligence systems are advanced enough to provide real-time information on Russian military movements.  

Summary:  

France has strong intelligence capabilities and can absolutely contribute important information to Ukraine, including monitoring Russian bomber planes and military targets. However, it is unlikely that France alone can fully replace the role of the US, as the US intelligence capability is significantly larger and more comprehensive. Close cooperation between France and other European countries could help bridge the gap and continue providing Ukraine with the support it needs.  



Here is the same translation without any asterisks:


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Me:


Does the EU have such a collaboration today? If not, are there any public plans for it?


AI:


In recent years, the EU has taken steps toward stronger cooperation in intelligence and security, but there is no centralized intelligence system comparable to that of the U.S. Instead, the EU's intelligence capacity relies on collaboration between member states' national intelligence agencies and certain joint initiatives. Here’s an overview of the current situation and potential future plans:


Current cooperation within the EU:


1. IntCen (EU Intelligence and Situation Centre):

   - IntCen, part of the European External Action Service (EEAS), coordinates and analyzes intelligence from member states.

   - Its focus is on foreign and security policy issues, including terrorism, hybrid threats, and conflicts affecting EU interests.

   - However, IntCen does not have the operational capabilities of national intelligence agencies and functions more as an analysis hub.


2. EU Satellite Centre (SatCen):

   - SatCen provides satellite-based surveillance and analysis, especially for monitoring conflicts and crises.

   - It has been utilized to support the EU’s efforts in Ukraine by providing satellite imagery and analyses of Russian military movements.


3. PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation):

   - PESCO is a military cooperation within the EU that includes projects aimed at improving intelligence capabilities, such as developing shared signals intelligence systems and satellite surveillance.

   - An example is the "European Strategic Command and Control System" project, which aims to improve information sharing among member states.


4. Informal information sharing:

   - Many EU countries share intelligence bilaterally or through informal networks, such as Club de Berne (a group of European intelligence services).

   - However, there is no centralized platform for coordinating and sharing information in real-time.


Plans for the future:


The EU has recognized the need for stronger intelligence cooperation, especially in light of security threats such as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Some public initiatives and discussions include:


1. EU Intelligence College (INTCEN):

   - A proposal that has been discussed involves creating a joint training platform for intelligence personnel from various EU countries to promote cooperation and standardization.


2. Centralized Intelligence Hub:

   - There have been proposals to establish a more centralized intelligence hub within the EU, which could coordinate the collection and analysis of information from member states.

   - However, this has faced resistance from certain countries that wish to maintain their national sovereignty over intelligence operations.


3. Enhanced satellite capability:

   - The EU is investing in IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite), a new satellite system designed to provide secure communication and surveillance for member states.

   - This system will bolster the EU’s ability to monitor threats and support security efforts.


4. EU Security Strategy:

   - In the EU’s Security Strategy for 2020–2025, the need to strengthen intelligence cooperation is emphasized to address threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and state-aggression acts (like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine).


Challenges:


1. Sovereignty:

   - Many EU countries are reluctant to share sensitive intelligence information or relinquish control to a centralized EU authority.


2. Resources:

   - Building a joint intelligence capability requires significant investments and political commitment.


3. Coordination:

   - EU intelligence cooperation is still fragmented and mainly relies on voluntary information sharing.


Summary:


The EU does not have a centralized intelligence collaboration that directly replaces the role of the U.S., but there are several initiatives and plans to strengthen cooperation. Through projects like PESCO, SatCen, and IRIS², the EU is working toward a more integrated intelligence capacity. However, greater political commitment and agreements between member states are needed to create a more effective system. For now, intelligence cooperation still depends on national efforts and informal networks.




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