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US drone firm Powerus signs deal with Pakistan Army (Img: X)
New Delhi: US drone company Powerus has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pakistan Army that includes an initial order for drones, the company’s co-founder Brett Velicovich told Reuters on Wednesday.
Velicovich did not disclose details of the order, citing security sensitivities and confidentiality. He said the agreement falls under the category of unmanned aerial systems but declined to reveal its financial value.
Powerus-Pakistan Deal Comes Amid Warming Ties
The signing of the MoU and the initial order have not previously been reported.
Powerus develops aerial and maritime drones for military and industrial applications. The company is also set to merge with publicly traded Aureus Greenway Holdings, a company backed by US President Donald Trump’s sons. The two companies have said they expect the merger to be completed in early October.
Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump hold a stake in Aureus through an investment fund called American Ventures, according to US regulatory filings. The fund is expected to have a 9.9% beneficial ownership stake in the combined company after the merger.
The Pakistan military said on Wednesday that a Powerus delegation led by Velicovich met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The meeting covered defence procurement, production and long-term capacity building. However, the military statement did not mention the MoU.
Pakistan’s military media wing did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the agreement outside business hours.
Powerus Eyes Technology Cooperation In Pakistan
The agreement comes as relations between Washington and Islamabad have shown signs of improvement after years of strained ties. Trump has publicly praised Pakistan army chief Munir, while Islamabad has pursued economic, financial and defence initiatives aimed at strengthening its relationship with the United States.
Powerus founder and chief executive Andrew Fox said Pakistan’s private defence industry remains "emerging but still not mature," creating opportunities for US companies to expand their presence.
"The goal would be a joint technology relationship, pairing best-in-breed technology from the US with best-in-breed technology from Pakistan," Velicovich said, adding that Powerus was exploring the possibility of manufacturing technology in Pakistan.
Fox rejected suggestions that the company’s expansion was connected to the involvement of the Trump sons. He said contracts were awarded on merit and that they had "no involvement on the business side" of the company.
Trump Sons’ Role Comes Under Scrutiny
Donald Trump Jr was described as a passive investor with an indirect holding, according to a spokesman.
"Don has no involvement whatsoever in the management or operations of Powerus and plays absolutely no role in the procurement of contracts in the United States or abroad," the spokesperson said.
"He had no prior knowledge of this deal and had no involvement of any kind in its negotiation, procurement or execution."
Eric Trump could not immediately be reached for comment.
