On September 16, 2026, a delegation from Powerus, a US drone company founded in 2025 and backed by Donald Trump's sons, met with Pakistan's military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, in Rawalpindi. The following day, Powerus announced it received a "limited procurement order" from Pakistan's Ministry of Defence for unmanned aerial systems and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with senior Pakistani defence officials. The specifics of the order and the systems involved have not been disclosed.
Analysts have raised concerns regarding the deal, particularly since Powerus had previously granted an Indian defence manufacturer exclusive rights to produce its drone interceptor technology in India. Additionally, one of Powerus's cofounders is an Israeli military veteran, which poses questions for Pakistan, a country that does not recognize Israel.
Bilal Khan, founder of the Quwa Group, noted that Pakistan already has the capability to produce its own drones and questioned the necessity of engaging with a newly established company like Powerus. The Pakistani military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), stated that discussions included cooperation in defence procurement and production.
Powerus clarified that the MoU does not create a purchase obligation and is subject to US laws and government approvals. Brett Velicovich, cofounder of Powerus, expressed pride in supporting Pakistan's Ministry of Defence and indicated that the company is exploring technology development in Pakistan.
Powerus is set to merge with Aureus Greenway Holdings, a Nasdaq-listed company, in a deal expected to close in the final quarter of 2026. Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are investors in Powerus through American Ventures, which is expected to hold a 9.9% stake in the merged entity. A spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr. stated he is a passive investor with no operational role in the company.
Powerus produces approximately 3,000 interceptor drones monthly and recently secured a US Air Force contract valued at up to $90 million. The company emphasized that the Trump brothers do not influence its operations or defence relationships.
Powerus's first deal in South Asia was with India, where it licensed its Guardian-1 interceptor technology to Paras Defence and Space Technologies. Analysts highlighted the historical context of both Pakistan and India purchasing military equipment from the same suppliers, raising concerns about operational security.
A retired Pakistani air force general noted the risks of both countries procuring from the same source, especially given the financial capabilities of India. The leadership of Powerus has ties to Israel, which could complicate the relationship with Pakistan.
Despite these concerns, analysts suggest that Pakistan's interest in Powerus may stem from a need for advanced electronics and systems integration capabilities, areas where American firms excel. Powerus's Guardian interceptors are designed to counter incoming drones, a growing concern in modern warfare.
The retired general indicated that a company of Powerus's age would typically undergo rigorous checks for a strategic defence partnership, suggesting that the MoU may be more about political signaling than a concrete procurement decision. Khan noted that the procurement process for this deal has been atypical for Pakistan's military.
The agreements with Powerus coincide with Field Marshal Munir's efforts to strengthen ties with the Trump administration, including previous meetings with President Trump and agreements related to critical minerals and cryptocurrency. Analysts are questioning what tangible benefits Pakistan is receiving from these engagements, contrasting them with past military agreements that provided substantial military aid.