US drone firm linked to Trump's sons signs defence deal with Pakistan Army

American drone manufacturer Powerus has signed a deal to supply the Pakistan Army, just weeks before the company is due to merge with a business backed by Donald Trump's sons.

The agreement, which has not been previously reported, includes a memorandum of understanding and an initial order for unmanned aerial systems. Brett Velicovich, the co-founder of Powerus, confirmed the development but declined to specify the quantity, cost, or exact specifications of the drones, citing confidentiality and security concerns.

The deal comes at a sensitive time. Powerus is currently preparing to merge with Aureus Greenway Holdings, a publicly traded firm, in a transaction expected to close in early October. According to US regulatory filings, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump hold an indirect stake in Aureus through an investment fund called American Ventures, which is projected to own 9.9% of the combined company after the merger.

Both the company and representatives for the Trump family have denied any connection between the business deal and the family's political ties. Andrew Fox, the founder and chief executive of Powerus, said the contract was awarded solely on merit and insisted that the Trump brothers have no role on the business side of the firm.

A spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr. described him as a passive investor with an indirect holding who has "no involvement whatsoever in the management or operations of Powerus." The spokesperson added that he had no prior knowledge of the negotiations or the resulting agreement. At the White House, principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly stated that "there are no conflicts of interest."

What was agreed in Pakistan

On Wednesday, a Powerus delegation led by Velicovich met Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, to discuss defence procurement, production, and long-term capacity building. While the Pakistani military confirmed the meeting took place, its official statement made no mention of the memorandum of understanding or the drone order. Its media wing did not respond to requests for comment outside of business hours.

Despite the lack of public detail from the military, the company has expressed high ambitions for the partnership. Fox noted that Pakistan's private defence sector remains "emerging but still not mature," which presents a clear opening for American firms to establish an early footprint. Velicovich added that Powerus is actively exploring ways to manufacture its technology locally, with the ultimate goal of establishing a "joint technology relationship" that pairs American design with Pakistani manufacturing capabilities.

Warming ties and financial pressure

The agreement highlights a quiet warming of relations between Washington and Islamabad after several years of strain. Donald Trump has previously praised Field Marshal Munir publicly, and Pakistan has been actively pursuing new defence and economic partnerships with the US.

The drone deal coincides with broader Pakistani efforts to secure American financial backing. Pakistan's Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, recently revealed that the country is waiting on a response from Washington regarding a proposed $10 billion exchange stabilisation facility. Islamabad is also in discussions with the Export-Import Bank of the United States to finance aircraft purchases, and the US International Development Finance Corporation to back a $5 billion upgrade of Pakistan's oil refineries.