US drone company Powerus has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Pakistan Army, which includes an initial order for drone-related power systems. Powerus co-founder Brett Velicovich announced the agreement in Islamabad but declined to disclose specific technology details due to security sensitivities or the value of the order, citing confidentiality. Powerus specializes in aerial and maritime drones for both military and industrial applications.
This agreement comes as Powerus prepares to merge with Aureus Greenway Holdings, a publicly traded company that is backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. The merger is anticipated to be finalized in early October. Filings indicate that an investment fund called American Ventures, owned by Trump's sons, is expected to hold a 9.9% beneficial ownership stake in the combined entity after the merger.
The Pakistan military acknowledged a meeting between Powerus's delegation, led by Velicovich, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, where discussions covered defense procurement, production, and long-term capacity building. However, the military's statement did not explicitly mention the MOU. The deal signals warming relations between Washington and Islamabad, with the Trump administration having previously banned foreign-made drones, creating opportunities for domestic companies.
Andrew Fox, Powerus's co-founder and CEO, suggested that Pakistan's emerging defense sector presents an opportunity for US firms. He envisions a joint technology relationship, combining advanced US technology with Pakistani capabilities, and mentioned exploring options for manufacturing technology within Pakistan. Fox also dismissed any suggestions that the company's growth was due to the Trump sons' involvement, stating that contracts are awarded on merit and they have no operational role. A spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr. clarified that he is a passive investor with no involvement in Powerus's management or operations, and had no prior knowledge of this specific deal.
