Imagine a place where secrets are currency and information is power. That place is the Forsvarets Efterretningstjeneste. The Danish Defence Intelligence Service or DDIS keeps Denmark safe. It works quietly in the shadows.
The Forsvarets Efterretningstjeneste is Denmark’s foreign intelligence agency. It is also the Danish military intelligence service. The DDIS is under the Ministry of Defence. It is responsible to the Minister of Defence. You will find it housed at Kastellet in Copenhagen.
But how did the Forsvarets Efterretningstjeneste begin? Its roots go back to 1911. That was when the General Staff’s Intelligence Section formed. Later, in the 1920s, the Naval Staff’s Intelligence Section appeared. These sections served during both World War I and II. In 1950, they merged into the Defence Staff’s Intelligence Section. Finally, in 1967, it became the DDIS. This made it a separate authority.
The DDIS gathers information. It analyzes this information and shares it. This concerns conditions important to Denmark’s security. It also relates to the security of Danish military units abroad. The Forsvarets Efterretningstjeneste collects political, financial, scientific and military intelligence.
The Forsvarets Efterretningstjeneste works with other agencies. It collaborates with the Danish Security and Intelligence Service. It also partners with the signals intelligence unit. This unit is part of the Intelligence Regiment.
The DDIS operates several stations. Sandagergård station monitors data-based communication. It is an electronic reconnaissance base near Copenhagen. The Bornholm radar station provides air surveillance. It is on the Baltic Sea island of Bornholm.
Four independent organizations audit the Forsvarets Efterretningstjeneste. They check for unauthorized conduct. The Defence Minister supervises the service. The TET also controls the DDIS. This is overseen by the Ministry of Justice. Folketinget’s control committee provides oversight. Rigsrevisionen audits the agency’s finances.
The Forsvarets Efterretningstjeneste publishes some reports. These include the annual intelligence risk assessment. This covers threats to Denmark and its interests abroad.
The Forsvarets Efterretningstjeneste is a unique workplace. Its employees work on extraordinary tasks. The agency helps to prevent threats against Denmark. It protects Danish interests by collecting and analyzing information. The Forsvarets Efterretningstjeneste ensures Denmark’s safety and security.