Pakistan Signs Drone Deal with Firm Linked to Trump Sons
Pakistan signed a limited drone order with Powerus, a company backed by Trump's sons that also supplies India.
Key points
- Pakistan signed a limited drone procurement order with Powerus, a US firm founded in 2025.
- Powerus is backed by Trump's sons and granted exclusive drone rights to an Indian manufacturer.
- Analysts question the deal since Pakistan already builds its own drones and lacks ties to Israel.
Pakistan has entered into a limited procurement agreement for unmanned aerial systems with Powerus, a Florida-based drone manufacturer founded in 2025. According to Al Jazeera English, the deal was announced following a meeting between the company’s delegation and Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s military chief, in Rawalpindi.
The arrangement has drawn scrutiny due to Powerus’s corporate connections. Media reports indicate that Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are investors in the firm through a vehicle holding a nearly 10 percent stake. Additionally, one of the company’s cofounders is an Israeli veteran, a factor that complicates the partnership given Pakistan’s non-recognition of Israel.
Complexity of the procurement framework
Powerus stated that the memorandum of understanding does not create a binding purchase obligation and is subject to US government approvals. A company spokesperson clarified that while the MoU was signed with the Pakistan army, the specific procurement order was placed by the Ministry of Defence. Neither the financial value of the order nor the specific drone models involved have been disclosed by either party.
Analysts note that Pakistan already possesses domestic capabilities for drone production and maintains supply chains with China and Turkey. Bilal Khan of the Quwa Group questioned the long-term strategic fit of Powerus, noting that Pakistan can technically manufacture the systems the US firm offers. The ambiguity surrounding the deal’s scope has left questions unanswered regarding its practical impact on Pakistan’s defense infrastructure.
Overlapping ties to Indian defense
The controversy is heightened by Powerus’s recent activities in India. Less than three months before the Pakistani deal, the company granted an Indian defense manufacturer exclusive rights to produce and sell its drone interceptor technology within India. This dual engagement with two nations that have a history of conflict raises questions about the neutrality and strategic alignment of the US-backed firm.
Political and corporate implications
A spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr. described him as a passive investor with no operational role or prior knowledge of the Pakistan contracts. Powerus is currently undergoing a merger with Aureus Greenway Holdings, a Nasdaq-listed company, expected to close later this year. The company has also expressed interest in building technology infrastructure within Pakistan, signaling a potential long-term commitment despite the current diplomatic sensitivities.
