Australia's ASIS operates in the shadows to protect national interests!

**ASIS** stands for **Australian Secret Intelligence Service**. It is Australia's **foreign intelligence agency**, responsible for collecting and distributing secret foreign intelligence to protect Australia's security and promote its interests.

Established in **1952**, ASIS operates under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and focuses on:
- Human intelligence (HUMINT) collection
- Counter-terrorism
- Support to military operations
- Liaison with foreign intelligence services

ASIS operates primarily outside Australia, gathering intelligence that is not readily available through other means. The agency works closely with international partners and is known for its discreet and effective operations.

ASISs existence was kept secret for many years and was only publicly acknowledged in 1972. Since then, it has become an integral part of Australias national security apparatus.

So, when it comes to foreign intelligence gathering for Australia, **ASIS** is the agency in charge.