Italy is in advanced talks with SpaceX for a €1.5 billion ($1.55 billion) deal to provide secure telecommunications to the government, Bloomberg News reported on Sunday. While discussions are ongoing and a final agreement has not been reached, the project has already been approved by Italy’s Intelligence Services and the Defence Ministry.
The deal would see SpaceX supplying Italy with a comprehensive range of encrypted telephone and internet services for government use. It also includes providing communication services for Italy’s military in the Mediterranean and deploying satellite services within Italy for emergencies such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who recently met with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, has built a close relationship with Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, as the two share common interests. Italy’s plans also include testing SpaceX’s Starlink satellite-based connectivity in January to determine its feasibility for expanding high-speed internet access across the country.
While the contract is not yet finalized, this partnership highlights Italy’s increasing collaboration with the private sector to strengthen its national security and improve infrastructure, with Musk’s companies playing a pivotal role in the effort.
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