Rome, Italy – European defense giant Leonardo Hope and airbus and Thales The company’s CEO told CNBC within months as mainland China seeks alternatives for Elon Musk’s Starlink.

After several months of talks, Roberto Cingolani of Leonardo told CNBC: “At the moment, we are working together and trying to find out if there is a possibility of good synergy, whether it is convenient from a market perspective and of course, whether it is acceptable from a counter-protest perspective.”

Reuters reported earlier this week that the three companies spoke with European regulators about potential deals.

Speaking in Rome on Wednesday, Cingolani believed that regulations should be more flexible in “emergency times”.

“The most relevant thing right now is to ensure deterrence and security, global security content, not the best price for tanks,” he said.

The timeline is no longer years and months will be “more reasonable,” he said.

Discussions take place at a critical moment for European defense companies as the United States puts pressure on the continent to improve its capabilities.

Donald Trump’s arrival to the White House made Europe realize that it cannot rely on the United States for defense. Last month, it announced a package of measures that could eventually be released New defense spending is 800 billion euros.

Some European countries are also reevaluating alternatives to Musk Space X Starlink, a satellite internet service that plays a key role in the war with Russia.

Italy announced last month that it is suspending conversations with Space X to ensure a secure communications system for defense. After opposition officials criticized the idea of ​​a partnership with Musk. Controversial Comments about Ukraine. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said the negotiations were put on hold, but that could be the future option.

Leonardo’s CEO told CNBC that the European Satellite Alliance is not aimed at challenging Musk, but rather to provide European options.

He added that technology monopoly is “not good for anyone”.

– CNBC’s Vivi Vitalone contributed to this report.