(Bloomberg) -- Elon Musk’s SpaceX has the capability to enhance Italy’s satellite operations, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said.
SpaceX “is an operator that has the requirements to provide capacity and services,” Crosetto told lawmakers in parliament on Wednesday, adding that the country needs to enhance its low-orbit satellite band.
No contracts have been signed to date, the minister said.
Opposition politicians have criticized Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government for engaging in talks with SpaceX on a €1.5 billion ($1.5 billion) deal for encrypted communications systems.
Italy is in advanced talks with SpaceX for the deal to provide secure telecommunications — the largest such project in Europe — Bloomberg reported on Sunday.
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