Pistorius suggested any potential deal would follow a more flexible procurement approach. Pointing to Germany\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe tested what they really offer \u2014 not just papers or videos,\u201d he said, adding that Germany would then move \u201cstep by step,\u201d scaling up only if systems perform, with the aim of increasing competition.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n