Italy has begun testing Starlink satellite systems in four embassies worldwide to explore secure communication options for its diplomats and defense officials, though no national security contract has been signed with Elon Musk's company, SpaceX, the government confirmed on Thursday.
Italy has begun testing Starlink antennas in four embassies worldwide but has yet to sign a national security contract with Elon Musk's company, SpaceX, according to a statement from Minister for Parliamentary Relations Luca Ciriani on Thursday.
The Italian government, led by its right-wing administration, is exploring options for encrypted communications to ensure secure links between diplomats, government officials, and defense personnel operating in high-risk regions. Among the potential solutions, Starlink stands out as a top contender. However, the ongoing discussions with the company have sparked controversy, particularly from opposition politicians who question the wisdom of entrusting national security infrastructure to a foreign company with close ties to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ciriani clarified that Italy had initiated limited trials with Starlink systems at diplomatic offices in Burkina Faso, Bangladesh, Lebanon, and Iran. The antennas were set up to test their functionality and would not be used for classified communications. No direct contract with SpaceX has been established, with third-party companies involved in the process instead.
Despite concerns, Italy is considering a possible five-year agreement valued at around 1.5 billion euros ($1.63 billion) with Starlink, which operates the world’s largest constellation of 6,700 active satellites. Its competition includes Eutelsat, a Franco-British operator with far fewer satellites.
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US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has denied reports by The Atlantic regarding the sharing of secret military plans for operations against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
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A group of top Trump administration officials reportedly shared sensitive military plans over the encrypted messaging app Signal just hours before the United States launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, sparking a political storm in Washington.
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Mexican forces have dismantled a massive meth lab in Zacatecas, dealing a blow to a Sinaloa Cartel faction.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has denied reports by The Atlantic regarding the sharing of secret military plans for operations against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The Houthi group in Yemen claimed responsibility for a series of missile and drone attacks, targeting Ben Gurion airport in Israel and U.S. warships in the Red Sea.
The European Union views the Palestinian Authority as "best placed to govern Gaza," according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, following her meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Ramallah.
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he is prepared to take a more flexible stance on new tariffs for automobiles and other goods than initially expected.
A group of top Trump administration officials reportedly shared sensitive military plans over the encrypted messaging app Signal just hours before the United States launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, sparking a political storm in Washington.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has denied reports by The Atlantic regarding the sharing of secret military plans for operations against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The Houthi group in Yemen claimed responsibility for a series of missile and drone attacks, targeting Ben Gurion airport in Israel and U.S. warships in the Red Sea.
The European Union views the Palestinian Authority as "best placed to govern Gaza," according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, following her meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Ramallah.
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he is prepared to take a more flexible stance on new tariffs for automobiles and other goods than initially expected.
A group of top Trump administration officials reportedly shared sensitive military plans over the encrypted messaging app Signal just hours before the United States launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, sparking a political storm in Washington.
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