Full Breakdown
Powerus Secures Initial Drone Order from Pakistan Army Amid Growing U.S.–Pakistan Defense Ties
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Agreement and Initial Order
On September 16, 2026, a Powerus delegation led by co-founder Brett Velicovich met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The talks produced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for an initial procurement order for unmanned aerial systems from the Pakistan Army. The size, type and value of the order were not disclosed, with Velicovich citing “security sensitivities.” The Pakistan military’s ISPR confirmed the meeting but did not mention the MoU.
Background and Context
The agreement arrives as Washington and Islamabad seek deeper defence cooperation. President Donald Trump has publicly praised Field Marshal Munir, and Pakistan is pursuing initiatives to strengthen ties with the United States. Powerus, a U.S. drone maker, is slated to merge with publicly traded Aureus Greenway Holdings in early October 2026. The merger will give American Ventures, an investment fund linked to Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, a 9.9 % beneficial ownership stake.
Data and Stakeholder Details
- American Ventures investment: $5.55 million bridge financing in February 2026, with warrants (SEC filings).
- Ownership after merger: 9.9 % stake for American Ventures in the combined entity.
- Company portfolio: Heavy-lift autonomous aircraft, tactical drones, and the “Guardian” counter-drone interceptor, which Powerus claims can intercept targets with an ? 89 % success rate and produce over 500 units per month.
Official Statements & Responses
Powerus described the MoU as a framework for “joint technology cooperation,” noting it does not create a purchase obligation and any future programs would need definitive contracts and U.S. approvals. Founder and CEO Andrew Fox said Pakistan’s private defence sector is “emerging but still not mature,” offering opportunities for U.S. firms.
A spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr. said the former president’s son is a passive investor with no role in Powerus’s management, procurement or negotiations and had no prior knowledge of the Pakistan deal. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly affirmed that “there are no conflicts of interest.”
Criticism & Opposition
U.S. senators have raised concerns about the optics of a company linked to the president’s sons securing foreign defence contracts. Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Richard Blumenthal questioned the Pentagon on safeguards against potential conflicts, citing Powerus’s recent Air Force contract and the Pakistan order as examples of possible influence. They argue that even passive ownership could create incentives for officials to favor companies associated with the president’s family.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The goal would be a joint technology relationship, pairing best-in-breed technology from the US with best-in-breed technology from Pakistan,” — Brett Velicovich, co-founder
- “This is an important milestone for Powerus as we expand our international defense footprint,” — Brett Velicovich, co-founder
- “The White House has said there are no conflicts of interest.” — Press Secretary Anna Kelly
What’s Next
Powerus and Aureus Greenway Holdings expect the merger to close in early October 2026, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals. The MoU provides a basis for further discussions on local production, technology transfer and expanded drone procurement, but no additional purchase commitments have been made.