Rome is considering the use of Musk’s telecommunications systems to provide encrypted communications between the government, Italian diplomats and defence officials operating in risky areas.

The project has been sharply criticised by opposition parties questioning whether the handling of such communications should be entrusted to companies owned by the US tech billionaire.

Starlink, part of Musk’s SpaceX aerospace business, has 6,700 active satellites in low-Earth orbit and is a dominant force in the sector.

Italy is considering a five-year deal worth a total €1.5 billion (US$1.6 billion), a source with knowledge of the matter said.

“Data would remain in the full control of Italian institutions, which would be able to use US technology but at the same time protect national interest,” Andrea Stroppa, an adviser for Elon Musk told Italian state broadcaster RAI late yesterday.

He did not elaborate further and added that discussions with the government had started before Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took office, in October 2022.

The right-wing leader, who has come under fire from opposition over the talks given her good relationship with Musk, dismissed concerns that these ties would have any influence in the evaluation of the project.