Powerus, a Florida drone company that plans to merge with Nasdaq‑listed Aureus Greenway Holdings in early October, is positioning itself as a domestic partner for foreign‑made military technology. The merger will give the combined entity a 9.9% beneficial ownership stake for American Ventures, the investment fund through which Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump hold an indirect interest.
Trump family involvement and public praise
While the Trump brothers are described as passive investors with no day‑to‑day role, Powerus advisory board member Keith Kellogg – a former Trump envoy to Ukraine and retired U.S. Army lieutenant general – noted that “it never hurts to have their name on something.” President Donald Trump also highlighted the firm’s president, Brett Velicovich, on Truth Social, saying he “really knows his stuff.”
Growth strategy and Pentagon demand
Powerus executives say the company will grow through acquisitions, foreign partnerships and domestic manufacturing. Their goal is to become a “one‑stop solution” for the Department of Defense, offering overseas technology with an “American face.” The firm is in talks with Ukrainian defense firms to add long‑range attack drones and other capabilities.
In March, Powerus introduced its Guardian interceptor drones, which Velicovich described as the result of joint development with Ukrainian engineers. Although its MatrixFold quadcopter did not make the latest Pentagon Drone Dominance program leaderboard, the company says the competition’s electronic‑warfare requirements were especially tough.
Recent contracts and international outreach
Powerus recently announced a U.S. Air Force award worth up to $90 million and a $22.3 million commercial contract to protect energy infrastructure in the Middle East for an undisclosed customer. The firm is also pursuing deals with Gulf states.
During a September trip to Pakistan, Powerus secured a limited order from the Pakistani defense ministry and signed a preliminary agreement with the Pakistan Army. A memorandum of understanding was also signed with the Pakistan Air Force, though details remain confidential. Velicovich told Reuters in Islamabad that the company is exploring ways to build technology locally in Pakistan.
Early‑stage financial snapshot
Powerus incorporated in October 2025 and reported first‑quarter sales of $1.2 million after assembling a range of aerial and maritime drones through early‑year acquisitions. The company remains early‑stage, with no revenue‑generating operations at the start of 2026.
Implications for U.S. defense and the local economy
By bringing foreign‑developed drone technology under U.S. ownership and manufacturing, Powerus aims to strengthen national security while creating high‑skill jobs in Florida and across the country. The Trump brothers’ involvement underscores a broader trend of private‑sector investors supporting defense innovation that aligns with the administration’s focus on a strong, technologically advanced military.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
