Pakistan Army, Powerus Sign MoU for Unmanned Aerial Systems
Islamabad/Rawalpindi, September 17, 2026: The Pakistan Army has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with US-based defence technology company Powerus covering cooperation in unmanned and autonomous systems, while the company has also received an initial procurement order related to unmanned aerial systems.
Powerus co-founder Brett Velicovich confirmed the agreement to Reuters, saying the initial order falls within the category of unmanned aerial systems. The company has not disclosed the financial value or detailed specifications of the order, citing confidentiality and security considerations.
Powerus Delegation Meets Field Marshal Asim Munir
The development followed a meeting between a Powerus delegation, led by co-founder Brett Velicovich, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on September 16.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the discussions covered evolving defence technologies, defence procurement, production and long-term capacity building.
The military's statement did not publicly disclose details of the MoU or the initial order. The company subsequently confirmed the agreement and described it as part of broader cooperation in unmanned and autonomous technologies.
Initial Drone Order Remains Undisclosed
Powerus said it has received a limited procurement order from Pakistan's Ministry of Defence for unmanned aerial systems and associated support.
The company has not released details about the quantity, value, configuration or intended operational use of the systems. It also said that the strategic MoU itself is a framework for potential expanded cooperation and does not constitute a definitive purchase commitment.
Any future programmes under the framework would be subject to separate agreements, applicable laws and required government approvals.
Potential for Technology and Production Cooperation
The agreement could provide a framework for Pakistan and Powerus to explore wider cooperation in autonomous and unmanned defence technologies.
Powerus has indicated that it is interested in exploring opportunities for technology development and potentially building systems in Pakistan. Velicovich told Reuters that the company's objective was to develop a technology relationship combining US and Pakistani capabilities.
Such cooperation could involve areas including unmanned aerial platforms, autonomous systems, technical support, training and future production, although the specific scope of any future projects has not been publicly finalised.
Growing Focus on Unmanned Defence Technology
Unmanned aerial systems have become an increasingly important part of modern defence technology, with applications that can include surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics and other missions.
For Pakistan, cooperation with international defence technology companies could provide opportunities to expand access to newer autonomous systems while developing local technical and production capabilities.
However, the exact role of the Powerus systems covered by the initial order remains undisclosed.
Powerus and Its International Expansion
Powerus is a US-based defence technology company working on autonomous and unmanned systems for military and other high-risk environments. Its portfolio includes autonomous air and maritime systems, mission systems, training and support capabilities.
The company also has a proposed merger with Aureus Greenway Holdings, a US-listed company. Powerus said the proposed transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
The agreement with Pakistan comes as Islamabad and Washington continue to expand engagement in defence and other areas. Reuters reported that the Powerus agreement is part of a broader period of improving US-Pakistan relations.
What the Agreement Means for Pakistan
The MoU establishes a framework for further discussions on unmanned and autonomous defence technologies, while the initial procurement order represents a concrete step in Powerus's engagement with Pakistan's Ministry of Defence.
For now, important commercial and operational details remain confidential. Further information is expected to depend on subsequent agreements, approvals and any future announcements by the Pakistani authorities or Powerus.
Sources: Reuters, ISPR, Powerus and Dawn.