Pakistan Army Signs Deal To Buy Drones From US Company

U.S. drone manufacturer Powerus has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Pakistan Army, according to a statement from the company's co-founder, Brett Velicovich, to Reuters. The agreement includes an initial order for unmanned aerial systems, though the exact value remains undisclosed due to security concerns. Powerus specializes in providing aerial and maritime drones for both military and industrial uses.

The company is also reportedly in the process of merging with Aureus Greenway Holdings, a firm with significant backing from the sons of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. Following the merger, it is anticipated that the combined entity will finalize its operations in early October.

A delegation led by Velicovich, representing Powerus, met with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The discussions centered on defense procurement, production, and long-term capacity building, although neither the memorandum of understanding nor the initial order were explicitly mentioned in the military's statement.

Velicovich revealed that Powerus is actively exploring opportunities to integrate its technology within Pakistan, with the ultimate goal of establishing a joint technology relationship that would combine U.S. technology with Pakistani capabilities. Andrew Fox, Powerus' CEO, noted that Pakistan's private defense sector is still in its early stages but holds significant potential for expansion, presenting new opportunities for U.S. companies to strengthen their presence in the region.

This development follows a recent improvement in relations between the United States and Pakistan, which have experienced years of strained ties.

The establishment of this agreement comes amid Pakistan's ongoing pursuit of economic, financial, and defense initiatives aimed at reinforcing its partnership with the United States. It is expected that Powerus, once merged with Aureus Greenway Holdings, will benefit from an investment fund associated with Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, which is anticipated to hold a 9.9 percent beneficial ownership stake in the combined company post-merger.

However, Fox emphasized that Powerus' contracts are awarded based on merit, and the Trump sons have no involvement in the company's business operations. A spokesperson for Trump Jr. reaffirmed that he had no role in the negotiation, procurement, or execution of the deal with Pakistan.