US-based drone maker Powerus has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pakistan Army that includes an initial drone-related order, the company’s co-founder Brett Velicovich told Reuters.
Velicovich said the agreement falls within the category of unmanned aerial systems but declined to provide details of the order or disclose its value, citing security sensitivities and confidentiality.
Powerus provides aerial and maritime drones for military and industrial applications. The company is also expected to merge with publicly traded Aureus Greenway Holdings, with both companies expecting the transaction to be completed in early October.
The Pakistan Army said a Powerus delegation led by Velicovich met Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Wednesday. The meeting covered defence procurement, production and long-term capacity building, although the military’s statement did not mention the MoU or initial order.
Velicovich said Powerus was exploring ways to potentially build its technology in Pakistan. He said the company’s goal was to establish a joint technology relationship combining US technology with capabilities from Pakistan.
Powerus CEO Andrew Fox said Pakistan’s private defence sector remains emerging but has room for further development, creating opportunities for US companies to expand their presence.
The agreement comes as relations between Washington and Islamabad have improved following years of strained ties. Pakistan has been pursuing economic, financial and defence initiatives aimed at strengthening its relationship with the United States.
Powerus is expected to merge with Aureus Greenway Holdings, a company backed by US President Donald Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. Regulatory filings show that an investment fund associated with Trump Jr. and Eric Trump is expected to hold a 9.9 percent beneficial ownership stake in the combined company after the merger.
Fox, however, said the company’s contracts were awarded on merit and that the Trump sons had no involvement in Powerus’ business operations. A spokesperson for Trump Jr. also said he had no involvement in the negotiation, procurement or execution of the Pakistan deal.
