CANBERRA — Germany is considering buying an Australian-made combat drone, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Thursday, in what could make Berlin the first foreign customer of the system.

Speaking at Australia’s National Press Club, Pistorius said a purchase of the Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat is “under consideration,” signaling growing German interest in drones that can operate alongside fighter jets.

The unmanned aircraft is designed to fly with jets like the F-35, carrying sensors, jammers or weapons while taking on riskier missions ahead of human pilots.

Pistorius suggested any potential deal would follow a more flexible procurement approach. Pointing to Germany’s recent purchases of loitering munitions, he said Berlin is shifting away from locking in long-term contracts upfront and instead testing systems in practice before deciding whether to expand orders.

“We tested what they really offer — not just papers or videos,” he said, adding that Germany would then move “step by step,” scaling up only if systems perform, with the aim of increasing competition.

He did not give details on timing or scale, but the remarks point to a broader shift as Germany looks to integrate more autonomous systems into its military.

A deal would also carry political weight: Germany has traditionally sourced major airpower capabilities from U.S. or European partners, and turning to an Australian-developed system would mark a new direction in defense and industrial cooperation.

The comments came as Pistorius continues his Indo-Pacific tour, including stops in Japan, Singapore and Australia, aimed at strengthening defense ties and exploring new partnerships.