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The CIA’s Secret Base In The Middle Of Australia
The true story of Pine Gap
Pine Gap is a CIA facility located near Alice Springs, in Australia’s Northern Territory. Since being established in the 1960s, it has been the subject of intense scrutiny and controversy.
Right now, the specific nature of many activities conducted at Pine Gap remain classified. However, it’s believed to play a key role in helping the United States to monitor satellites, gather intelligence, and perform other important tasks. Quoting an article published by The Nautilus Institute:
“Its original and still principal purpose is to serve as the ground control station for geosynchronous signals intelligence (SIGINT) satellites developed by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). It remains the CIA’s most important technical intelligence collection station in the world.”
But why did the United States Central Intelligence Agency choose the middle of Australia as a spy base? And how has Pine Gap affected international politics?
In this article, we’ll answer both questions (and more)!
Here’s Why The United States Chose Australia For A Highly Secretive Base
Pine Gap’s strategic location is one of the primary reasons it is under CIA control. The Northern Territory is close to key satellite orbits, making it an ideal location for monitoring and intercepting communications.
It’s also worth mentioning that Pine Gap’s remote location makes it hard for adversaries to spy on the base. After all, it’s located in the middle of nowhere and is surrounded by world-class security.
Another reason Pine Gap is under CIA control is the sensitive nature of the activities that take place there. For example, in the 1960s, “the base’s main role was to spy on Soviet missile tests at the height of the Cold War,” per 9News.
According to whistleblower Edward Snowden, Pine Gap collects data to guide drone strikes against terrorists. That’s because it’s a joint facility with the NSA…
