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What does the Italian government have to do with SpaceX?
The current status of the possible agreement to adopt Starlink at an institutional level
February 3rd, 2025
For some years now, around a hundred countries worldwide have been collaborating with SpaceX within the framework of its satellite telecommunications systems – increasingly adopted by national armed forces and their respective security departments. According to a recent revelation by Bloomberg, Italy is also reportedly negotiating with Elon Musk’s company to purchase an encryption system that would allow state agencies to protect their communications. Following the leak, Giorgia Meloni’s government admitted the existence of the negotiations, but clarified that no agreement has been signed. Once again, the collaboration revolves around the military and institutional use of SpaceX's advanced telecommunications systems. The company provides this service using Starlink – a project that, through a network of satellites, can ensure Internet connection even in very remote areas of the planet, where traditional operators fail to reach. Musk wrote on X that he is «ready to provide Italy with the most secure and advanced connection». Bloomberg further specified that, according to its sources, the supply contract under discussion between the Italian government and SpaceX would have a five-year duration and involve a total investment of 1.5 billion euros. The American newspaper wrote that the negotiations are at an advanced stage. However, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto clarified that no agreement with SpaceX has been approved. Nevertheless, he emphasized that many of the Italian armed forces' operations, both domestically and abroad, require more modern and reliable communication systems than those currently in use – hinting at the Italian government's interest in Starlink's potential.
Ready to provide Italy the most secure and advanced connectivity!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 6, 2025
Bloomberg added that negotiations between Italy and SpaceX saw a significant breakthrough after Giorgia Meloni's visit to the United States. The Prime Minister, in early January, had made an informal visit to the private residence of Trump – in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. However, the Italian government denied that the collaboration with SpaceX was discussed during the meeting. It is unclear what the two discussed: according to the New York Times, one of the topics was the release of journalist Cecilia Sala, who at the time was still imprisoned in Iran. What remains certain is that Meloni is very close to Trump, being one of the few heads of government welcomed into his villa after the elections. But the leader of Fratelli d’Italia has also been in sync with Musk for some time, as he had previously visited Italy to meet some members of the right-wing majority and discuss satellite technologies. The head of SpaceX, in turn, is very close to the U.S. president – having extensively supported his election campaign and securing a role in his administration.
Why Not Everyone is Convinced About Using Starlink
@gianpaologolden E voi lo avevate mai visto #starlink #casa #campagna #internet #wifi #connessione #smartphone #tablet #pc suono originale - GianpaoloGolden
Many believe that Italy’s potential adoption of Starlink could create diplomatic tensions, particularly concerning European projects in the telecommunications sector that aim to develop similar services. Bloomberg wrote that Giorgia Meloni’s government could choose not to rely on SpaceX, opting instead for the European Union’s IRIS² project, but in such cases, costs would likely be significantly higher and timelines much longer. Moreover, Starlink currently has virtually no technological rivals in this field: it is the most innovative project, with a clear technological advantage and a high potential for growth over the next decade. However, some uncertainties remain regarding Starlink, particularly concerning the prospect of establishing diplomatic ties with a controversial entrepreneur like Musk – who is also closely linked to the U.S. government. According to the Quirinale, such collaboration would entail significant national security risks – both technologically and politically/diplomatically. President Mattarella himself has repeatedly – albeit always implicitly – expressed his opposition to the project. Already in December 2023, and again the following year, the President of the Republic, in his traditional speech to the highest state officials, warned against «oligarchs of various backgrounds» who «compete [...] in the development of extremely costly satellite systems, with military implications, [...] increasingly acting as real counter-powers».