Pakistan’s Powerus drone order leaves procurement questions
The Ministry of Defence has disclosed neither the systems nor the value of its limited order, while a separate army memorandum creates no purchase obligation.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence has placed a limited order for unmanned aerial systems from US company Powerus, following a meeting between the company’s delegation and Pakistan’s army chief on 16 September. The order’s value and the systems involved have not been disclosed.
Powerus also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pakistan Army. The company says the MoU is non-binding, creates no purchase obligation and is subject to US laws and government approvals. It has not said whether the arrangement will lead to further procurement.
The deal raises questions about the company’s relationships and Pakistan’s procurement priorities. In June, Powerus granted India’s Paras Defence and Space Technologies an exclusive licence to manufacture and sell its Guardian-1 interceptor technology. Powerus describes cofounder Ziv Marom as an Israeli military veteran; Pakistan does not recognise Israel.
Analysts cited by Al Jazeera questioned the order’s purpose and the vetting of a company founded in 2025. Pakistan already uses drones from China and Türkiye and has domestically developed systems. Analysts differed on whether Powerus might fill gaps in electronics and systems integration, or bring risks as Pakistan works with a supplier serving a regional rival.
The reported investment links to US President Donald Trump’s sons have also drawn scrutiny. A spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr said he was a passive investor with no role in operations or contracts and no prior knowledge of the Pakistan deals; the White House said there were no conflicts of interest.
The order’s delivery schedule and any local production plans remain undisclosed. Analysts say the next steps will show whether the MoU develops into a broader procurement relationship or remains a limited arrangement.
