Army intelligence (reconnaissance) is responsible for acquiring and processing of strategic information about an enemy as well as his recourses, capabilities and weaknesses. Army intelligence is classified into 4 parts: tactical, operational, strategic intelligence and counter-intelligence. Foreign intelligence service(also known as SVR) is regarded as a main intelligence agency in Russian Federation.

The SVR performs intelligence gathering operations abroad and also enters into anti-terrorist cooperation and intelligence-sharing arrangements with foreign intelligence agencies. The SVR also conducts counter proliferation operations, environmental intelligence gathering, and special counter narcotics intelligence operations. The service also provides analysis and dissemination of intelligence to Russian Federation policymakers. Unlike the FSB, which is an investigative-enforcement organization, the SVR is an intelligence organization and does not operate as a law enforcement agency.