The Pakistan Army has taken a notable step forward in defence technology by signing a memorandum of understanding with American drone maker Powerus. The deal includes an initial order for unmanned systems, according to co-founder Brett Velicovich who spoke to Reuters. He confirmed the agreement covers unmanned aerial systems but declined to share the order value or finer details due to security and confidentiality reasons.
Powerus specialises in aerial and maritime drones designed for both military and industrial applications. The company is preparing to merge with Aureus Greenway Holdings, a publicly traded firm that carries investment links to Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump through their fund American Ventures. The merger is expected to finalise in early October, after which American Ventures is projected to hold a 9.9 percent beneficial stake in the combined entity.
On 16 September 2026 a Powerus delegation led by Velicovich met Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces, at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The Inter-Services Public Relations confirmed the meeting focused on defence procurement, production and long-term capacity building. Officials from the military side did not immediately offer further comment when approached outside business hours.
The timing of the agreement coincides with improving ties between Washington and Islamabad. President Donald Trump has publicly praised Field Marshal Munir, while Pakistan has advanced several economic, financial and defence initiatives aimed at strengthening the relationship. Andrew Fox, founder and chief executive of Powerus, noted that Pakistan’s private defence sector is still emerging and not yet fully mature, creating space for American companies to move quickly.
Velicovich explained that the long-term vision centres on a joint technology partnership that pairs leading US innovation with Pakistani expertise. The company is already examining possibilities for developing technology inside Pakistan. Fox firmly rejected any suggestion that the firm’s progress is tied to the Trump family connection, stating that contracts are awarded strictly on merit and that the Trump sons have no role in day-to-day business operations.
A spokesman for Donald Trump Jr reinforced this position, clarifying that he remains a passive investor with an indirect holding and had no prior knowledge of or involvement in the Pakistan deal. White House Special Assistant Anna Kelly also confirmed there are no conflicts of interest. The agreement therefore stands as a pure defence and technology collaboration rather than a politically driven arrangement.
