Trump sons-backed Aureus leaps after Powerus starts counter-drone manufacturing in Gulf

Shares of Aureus Greenway, which is moving toward a merger with Powerus, leapt 17.9% to a nine-week high of $4.05 after the company said counter-drone manufacturing started in the Middle East.

Aureus, backed by President Donald Trump's eldest sons, and Powerus jointly said early Monday that manufacturing of its drone interceptor, Guardian, started at a dedicated facility in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, established through a multi-year partnership with a regional defense manufacturer.

Regional manufacturing places production capacity closer to customers, shortening delivery timelines compared with shipping finished systems from the U.S., the companies said.

On Thursday, drone and radar maker Powerus said it had inked a $22.3 million contract to protect Middle East oil and gas infrastructure.

Aureus changed its ticker to "PUSA" ahead of the pending combination with Powerus; the deal, announced in March, is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter.

With the advance, PUSA shares are up 28% year to date.