Pakistan Army signs drone deal with US firm linked to Trump sons
Islamabad: US drone manufacturer Powerus has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pakistan Army and secured its first order under the agreement, weeks before the company is set to merge with a US-listed firm backed by US President Donald Trump’s sons.
Powerus co-founder Brett Velicovich confirmed the agreement in an interview with Reuters. He said the deal covered unmanned aerial systems but declined to disclose details or the value of the order, citing security and confidentiality concerns.
Neither the MoU nor the initial order had been publicly reported earlier.
The agreement marks a new development in defence cooperation between Washington and Islamabad and comes ahead of Powerus’ planned merger with Aureus Greenway Holdings, which is backed by Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump. The companies expect the merger to be completed in early October.
Powerus develops drones for military and industrial applications, including systems designed for use in the air and at sea.
US regulatory filings show that Trump’s sons hold a stake in Aureus through an investment fund called American Ventures. Following the merger, the fund is expected to own nearly 10 per cent of the combined company.
Powerus founder and CEO Andrew Fox dismissed suggestions that the company’s business expansion was linked to the Trump family’s investment.
He said the company had secured contracts on merit and that Trump’s sons were not involved in its management.
A spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr said he was only a passive investor with an indirect stake and had no role in managing the company or securing contracts. The spokesperson also said he had not known about the Pakistan agreement before it was finalised.
Eric Trump could not be reached for comment.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly also said there was no conflict of interest.
The Pakistan Army said a Powerus delegation led by Velicovich met Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir this week. The discussions covered the potential purchase of defence equipment, local production and long-term efforts to expand Pakistan’s domestic defence industry.
The army’s statement did not specifically refer to the MoU.
The agreement comes as relations between Washington and Islamabad show signs of improvement following several years of strained ties.
Trump has spoken positively about Munir, while Pakistan has been seeking closer cooperation with the US on economic and defence matters.
Fox said Pakistan’s private defence sector was still in an early stage of development, creating opportunities for American companies to enter the market.
Velicovich said Powerus aimed to establish a two-way technology partnership by combining US and Pakistani capabilities. He added that the company was also exploring the possibility of manufacturing some of its technology in Pakistan.