In a significant defense development, the Pakistan Army has formalized an agreement with Powerus, a United States-based drone and defense technology company, securing an initial order for unmanned aerial systems. Powerus co-founder Brett Velicovich confirmed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the order, though specific details regarding the equipment and its value remain confidential due to security sensitivities.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, September 17, 2026, comes amidst strengthening ties between Washington and Islamabad, notably during US President Donald Trump's second term. President Trump has previously commended Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, who met with a Powerus delegation led by Velicovich.
Expanding Presence and Technology Sharing
Beyond the initial order, Powerus is actively exploring opportunities to deepen its engagement in Pakistan. Velicovich indicated the company's interest in potentially manufacturing technology within the country. "The goal would be a joint technology relationship, pairing best-in-breed technology from the U.S. with best-in-breed technology from Pakistan," he stated.
Discussions between the Powerus delegation and Army Chief Munir encompassed broader areas, including defense procurement, local production capabilities, and long-term capacity building initiatives for the Pakistani military.
The Trump Family Connection
Powerus is in the process of merging with Aureus Greenway Holdings, a publicly traded entity that counts Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump among its backers. The merger is anticipated to conclude in early October 2026. Through their investment fund, American Ventures, the Trump brothers are projected to hold a 9.9% beneficial ownership stake in the combined company post-merger, according to US regulatory filings.
The defense technology firm also benefits from the expertise of former Trump administration officials serving as strategic advisors. Despite these connections, Andrew Fox, Powerus's founder and CEO, has asserted that contracts are awarded strictly on merit, denying any influence from the Trump family. He emphasized that the Trump brothers have "no involvement on the business side" of Powerus.
Similarly, a spokesman for Donald Trump Jr. clarified that he is a passive investor with an indirect holding, stating, "Don has no involvement whatsoever in the management or operations of Powerus and plays absolutely no role in the procurement of contracts in the United States or abroad. He had no prior knowledge of this deal and had no involvement of any kind in its negotiation, procurement or execution."
This Powerus agreement follows another business venture between Pakistan and a Trump family-linked entity. In January 2026, Pakistan signed an MOU with SC Financial Technologies LLC, an affiliate of World Liberty Financial, to explore digital payment infrastructure. Reuters previously reported that DT Marks DeFi LLC, a Trump-linked entity, acquired control of approximately 60% of WLF's holding company around Trump's January 2025 inauguration, with Eric Trump later joining its board.