Defence in brief: OpenWorks Engineering expands UK footprint

OpenWorks Engineering, a company specialising in counter-UAS solutions, is expanding its footprint in the UK as it responds to the growing demand for its capabilities according to a 17th June press release. 

The company has increased its team from 36 to 54 personnel since January 2025, including a range of technical and business skills from software developers to mechanical and electrical engineers, as well as health and safety and logistics. A further 20 roles are planned to be filled throughout the rest of the year, which includes two apprenticeships, the press release states. 

In addition, the company is in the process of doubling its production space in Prudhoe, Northumberland, whilst also in discussions to further increase this space and its office space as it anticipates further growth. This is driven in particular by the proliferation of small drones and FPVs, as OpenWorks develops autonomous and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled optics that are used to detect small drones. The company also provides systems for border surveillance and the net capture of drones. 

OpenWorks Engineering has been working on these products for the past ten years, and the next few years will see £2 million ($2.7 million/€2.34 million) per year invested in research and development. This funding will be used for “developing capability for deployed troops, and enhancing stabilisation for detection on the move. Use cases include special operations, armoured vehicle protection and specialist applications for Ground Based Air Defence,” the press release explains. 

Calibre comment

Countering small drones had become a significant challenge for deployed forces prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Wars in Syria, Iraq, Libya, and the lower-intensity phases of the conflict in Ukraine had shown the value of small drones in correcting artillery fire, coordinating attacks, destroying aircraft at their airbases, and attacking armoured vehicles. So, countering small drones was already essential for any force deploying into conflict, but the rapid evolution of those capabilities in Ukraine has spread quickly and now poses a greater threat to deployed forces. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on 17th June, 2025.