ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army and US-based drone manufacturer Powerus have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) covering unmanned aerial systems, with the agreement also involving an initial order, the company’s co-founder Brett Velicovich told media.
Velicovich did not disclose the nature or financial value of the order, citing security and confidentiality concerns, but confirmed that the agreement relates to unmanned aerial systems.
Powerus develops aerial and maritime drone systems for military and industrial applications. The company is also preparing to merge with publicly listed Aureus Greenway Holdings, a company backed by US President Donald Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump.
The two companies expect the merger to be completed in early October.
According to US regulatory filings, Trump Jr and Eric Trump hold an interest in Aureus through American Ventures, an investment fund that is expected to have a 9.9% beneficial stake in the combined entity following the merger.
The development follows a meeting between a Powerus delegation led by Velicovich and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The military’s media wing said discussions covered defence procurement, local production and long-term capacity building.
The Pakistan Army and Powerus agreement comes against the backdrop of improving defence and diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and the United States after a period of strained relations.
Powerus executives said Pakistan’s private defence industry was still developing, creating potential opportunities for cooperation with US technology companies.
Company founder and CEO Andrew Fox said the objective was to establish a joint technology relationship combining US-developed systems with capabilities available in Pakistan.
Velicovich said Powerus was also examining the possibility of developing or manufacturing some of its technology in Pakistan.
Company rejects political influence claims
Powerus officials rejected suggestions that the company’s commercial expansion or contracts were connected to the involvement of Trump’s sons.
Fox maintained that the company’s contracts were secured on their merits and said the Trump family members had no role in the company’s business operations.
A spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr said he was a passive investor through an indirect holding and had no involvement in Powerus management or operations.
The spokesperson also said Trump Jr had no prior knowledge of the Pakistan deal and played no role in its negotiation, procurement or execution.
Eric Trump was not immediately available for comment.
White House Special Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly also said there were no conflicts of interest.
