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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