Pakistan-US Drone Deal: Big Breakthrough Under Asim Munir

New Delhi: In a major development in the Pakistan-US defense cooperation, the US-based drone manufacturer POWERUS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pakistan Army.

Reports say the deal includes an initial order for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). This development came after the representatives of POWERUS met with Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces and Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir at Army Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), also confirmed the meeting.

So what’s in the “secret” deal?

Although the agreement has gained attention because some details have not been made public, available reports confirm the existence of an MoU and an initial UAS order.

However, the full value of the order, the number of drones and the precise specifications of the systems were not released to the public.

According to reports, POWERUS is not disclosing details in the name of confidentiality and security.

It is not possible to say publicly which particular models of drones Pakistan will get, or whether the systems will be armed.

What Pakistan Should Expect From The Deal

POWERUS develops aerial and maritime unmanned systems for both defense and industrial applications.

The first deal with Pakistan is on UAS technology. “The broader cooperation could include possible technology development, manufacturing and long-term technical cooperation.”

Reports have also mentioned interest in a technology partnership between the US and Pakistan, which could include the manufacturing or development of technology in Pakistan.

No final structure of any local manufacturing arrangement, however, has been announced yet.

What Does The Deal Mean For Asim Munir And Pakistan?

Pakistan has historically been a major buyer of Chinese defense equipment and military technology. Such a partnership with a US-forged unmanned systems company could give Pakistan yet another source of cutting-edge drone technology.

The talks, it is understood, covered issues such as defense procurement, production and long-term capacity building.

In Pakistan, the military said Asim Munir stressed the need for technological innovation and advanced solutions for improving national security and resilience.

Can Drones Be Used on the Iranian Border?

Another question on the deal is where the systems might ultimately be deployed.

Pakistan faces security challenges along its western borders, including along the Iran and Afghanistan borders. This has raised speculation on possible surveillance and security uses for the new unmanned systems.

But there has been no official confirmation so far that the POWERUS systems will be deployed along the Iran border.

Thus, any claim regarding a specific location of deployment should be treated as speculative until validated by the Pakistani government or military authorities.

What’s the Trump Family Connection?

The deal is also attracting attention due to the corporate transaction proposed by POWERUS.

POWERUS is said to be involved in a proposed merger with Aureus Greenway Holdings, a company backed by an investment fund associated with Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.

But the corporate connection does not imply that the former US President Donald Trump or his family personally negotiated the drone deal with the Pakistan Army.

The available reporting does not establish a direct role like that.

What’s Not Said?

There are still some important details of the agreement that are unclear:

• How many drones will Pakistan get?
• What is the total value of this order?
• What exact UAS models are involved?
• Will the systems be armed or mostly used for surveillance?
• Will Pakistan develop the systems indigenously?
• Where will the systems finally be installed?

What are the drones capable of?

“Until Pakistan