The AISE - Agenzia informazioni e sicurezza esterna  [External Intelligence and Security Agency] is responsible for gathering and processing all intelligence that serves to defend the independence, integrity and security of the Republic against threats originating abroad.

In particular, the AISE is in charge of:

• carrying out security intelligence activities abroad to protect Italy's political, military, economic, scientific and industrial interests
• identifying and countering espionage activities conducted abroad against Italy and as well as the activities aimed at damaging national interests
• countering the proliferation of strategic materials

The AISE is directly answerable to the President of the Council of Ministers. 

The AISE keeps the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Interior promptly and constantly informed about the matters falling within their respective fields of competence.