Italian opposition leaders roundly criticized Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government for engaging in talks with Elon Musk’s SpaceX on a €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) deal for encrypted communications systems.

Elon Musk said on Monday he was ready to provide Italy with secure communication services after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denied that the issue had come up during a weekend visit to the United States.

After a unannounced visit to meet with President-elect Donald Trump, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says SpaceX deal weren't discussed.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office denied any agreement had been reached on the supply of new services and dismissed attempts to link the issue to her surprise visit to meet Trump on Satur

The Italian government is in advanced talks with Elon Musk's company about securing government communications. The $1.6 billion contract is planned to be implemented over five years. This is set to be the largest project of its kind in Europe and has already been approved by Italian intelligence services and the Ministry of Defense.

The potential deal would equip Italy with advanced encryption for telephone and internet services used by the government.

The services proposed by SpaceX may include encryption for telephone and internet communications used by the Italian government and military. The deal has been under review since mid-2023 but has faced opposition from local telecommunication providers.