Crosetto says no govt or defence deal with Space X

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 8 - Defence Minister Guido Crosetto on Wednesday said neither the government not the defence ministry had agreed any deal with Elon Musk for Italy to use the Starlink satellite system of the world's richest man and Trump advisor's SpaceX company.
    "The office of Premier (Giorgia Meloni) has denied the signing of contracts or agreements between the government and Space X, and Defense has not approved any agreement in this regard either", Crosetto told Question Time in the Lower House.
    Bloomberg reported Monday that SpaceX had forged a 1.5 billion euro five year deal to supply Italy with its Starlink services and Musk subsequently said he was ready to give Italy advanced connectivity.
    The Italian opposition has said such a deal would jeopardize national security.
    Meloni's office said the reports were "ridiculous".
    The Italian premier and the SpaceX, Tesla and X boss, who is to lead a red-tape slashing efficiency department in Donald Trump's incoming administration, have become personal friends. (ANSA).