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US drone company Powerus has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Pakistan Army that includes an initial order for unmanned aerial systems, the company’s co-founder Brett Velicovich told Reuters on Wednesday.
Velicovich declined to disclose details or the value of the order, citing security and confidentiality concerns.
The agreement comes as Washington and Islamabad seek to strengthen bilateral ties and Powerus prepares to merge with Aureus Greenway Holdings, a publicly traded company backed by US President Donald Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump.
The merger is expected to be completed in early October, according to the companies.
Trump’s sons hold stakes in Aureus through an investment fund called American Ventures. US regulatory filings show the fund is expected to hold a 9.9% beneficial ownership stake in the combined company after the merger.
Powerus develops aerial and maritime drones for military and industrial applications.
The Pakistan military said on Wednesday that a Powerus delegation led by Velicovich met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to discuss defence procurement, production and long-term capacity building. Its statement did not mention the MoU.
The deal comes amid improving ties between the United States and Pakistan following years of strained relations. Trump has publicly praised Pakistan Army chief Munir, while Islamabad has pursued economic, financial and defence initiatives aimed at strengthening relations with Washington.
Powerus CEO Andrew Fox said Pakistan’s private defence sector was still emerging, creating opportunities for US companies. Velicovich said the company was exploring potential joint technology development and production in Pakistan.
Fox rejected suggestions that the company’s growth was linked to the involvement of Trump’s sons, saying contracts were awarded on merit and that they had no role in the company’s business operations.
A spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr said he had no involvement in Powerus’ management, operations or procurement of contracts and had no prior knowledge of the Pakistan deal.
The White House also said there were no conflicts of interest.
