Inside Italian defence tech (2026)
Jul 17
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Prudhoe, United KingdomPrudhoe, United Kingdom
Products & Solutions
SkyWall Patrol
A man-portable net capture system that physically intercepts and recovers drones intact. Operators use the SmartScope targeting system to aim and fire a net projectile that entangles the drone mid-flight, with a parachute payload (SP40) bringing it to the ground safely for forensic examination. The system offers a low-collateral damage response suitable for use in populated areas and high-security events.
Vision Flex
A modular electro-optical camera system combining full HD daylight and cooled MWIR thermal sensors for counter-UAS detection, classification and tracking. The system integrates edge-AI modules that run autonomously on both EO and IR channels, reducing false alarm rates without operator intervention. Focal lengths range from 275mm to 900mm and the system can be tripod-deployed in under five minutes or integrated onto vehicles and unmanned platforms. Open interfaces support SAPIENT and PELCO protocols.
Vision Pace
A stabilised optical director designed for high-speed kinetic targeting against dynamic aerial threats. The direct-drive, low-friction positioner delivers microradian-level accuracy and can carry 50-60kg payloads across vehicle, vessel, UGV and USV platforms. At AUSA 2025, the system was demonstrated integrated with a General Dynamics 20mm gun for on-the-move targeting. Vision Pace supports plug-and-play optical modules and built-in twin-AI classifiers.
Vision Guard
An autonomous forward surveillance system configurable with active sensors (radar, RF) and passive acoustic sensors. The system processes data onboard at the edge, triggers automated alerts via AI classification, and can operate in single back-packable configurations for rapid covert deployment. Open architecture supports integration with SAPIENT and ATAK platforms, allowing Vision Guard to feed into wider multi-sensor networks.
Videos
OpenWorks Engineering | CUAS, Kinetic Targeting and Surveillance Technologies | Company Overview
Vision Flex | Precise Tracking and Classification of Drones & Aerial Threats
SkyWall Net Capture Systems | Low-Collateral Damage C-UAS Defeat
About
OpenWorks Engineering is a UK defence technology company founded in 2015 by five engineers in Prudhoe, Northumberland. The company develops counter-UAS systems, autonomous optical tracking platforms and deployable surveillance systems for military forces, government agencies and critical infrastructure operators.
Offices
Prudhoe, United KingdomCustomers & Partners
DroneShield (Vision Flex integrated with DroneSentry-C2 platform)Robin Radar Systems (joint AI-powered on-the-move C-UAS testing)Walaris (AirScout AI module integration)DARIT Technologies (C-UAS Urban Sandbox demonstrations in Canada)Antmicro (technology partner for SkyWall Auto Response development)
Timeline
2026-03
Vision Flex electro-optical sensor integrated with DroneShield's DroneSentry-C2 command-and-control platform.
2025-09
Launched Vision Pace stabilised targeting director at DSEI 2025 and extended AI options through collaboration with Walaris for AirScout AI module integration.
2022
Awarded £2 million in contracts for Vision Flex and SkyWall Patrol systems to government and military customers in Europe and the Middle East.
2021
Vision Flex participated in NATO's Technology Interchange Experiment (TIE 21), demonstrating AI-optical slew-to-cue from radar and C2 systems.
2019
Launched SkyWall Auto Response (mounted autonomous net capture) and rebranded the SkyWall 100 handheld system as SkyWall Patrol at Milipol 2019 in Paris.
2015
Founded in Prudhoe, Northumberland by five co-founders with backgrounds in defence, mechanical engineering and AI software.
Open Positions (5)
Products & Solutions
SkyWall Patrol
A man-portable net capture system that physically intercepts and recovers drones intact. Operators use the SmartScope targeting system to aim and fire a net projectile that entangles the drone mid-flight, with a parachute payload (SP40) bringing it to the ground safely for forensic examination. The system offers a low-collateral damage response suitable for use in populated areas and high-security events.
Vision Flex
A modular electro-optical camera system combining full HD daylight and cooled MWIR thermal sensors for counter-UAS detection, classification and tracking. The system integrates edge-AI modules that run autonomously on both EO and IR channels, reducing false alarm rates without operator intervention. Focal lengths range from 275mm to 900mm and the system can be tripod-deployed in under five minutes or integrated onto vehicles and unmanned platforms. Open interfaces support SAPIENT and PELCO protocols.
Vision Pace
A stabilised optical director designed for high-speed kinetic targeting against dynamic aerial threats. The direct-drive, low-friction positioner delivers microradian-level accuracy and can carry 50-60kg payloads across vehicle, vessel, UGV and USV platforms. At AUSA 2025, the system was demonstrated integrated with a General Dynamics 20mm gun for on-the-move targeting. Vision Pace supports plug-and-play optical modules and built-in twin-AI classifiers.
Vision Guard
An autonomous forward surveillance system configurable with active sensors (radar, RF) and passive acoustic sensors. The system processes data onboard at the edge, triggers automated alerts via AI classification, and can operate in single back-packable configurations for rapid covert deployment. Open architecture supports integration with SAPIENT and ATAK platforms, allowing Vision Guard to feed into wider multi-sensor networks.
Videos
OpenWorks Engineering | CUAS, Kinetic Targeting and Surveillance Technologies | Company Overview
Vision Flex | Precise Tracking and Classification of Drones & Aerial Threats
SkyWall Net Capture Systems | Low-Collateral Damage C-UAS Defeat
Open Positions (5)
About
OpenWorks Engineering is a UK defence technology company founded in 2015 by five engineers in Prudhoe, Northumberland. The company develops counter-UAS systems, autonomous optical tracking platforms and deployable surveillance systems for military forces, government agencies and critical infrastructure operators.
Offices
Prudhoe, United KingdomCustomers & Partners
DroneShield (Vision Flex integrated with DroneSentry-C2 platform)Robin Radar Systems (joint AI-powered on-the-move C-UAS testing)Walaris (AirScout AI module integration)DARIT Technologies (C-UAS Urban Sandbox demonstrations in Canada)Antmicro (technology partner for SkyWall Auto Response development)
Timeline
2026-03
Vision Flex electro-optical sensor integrated with DroneShield's DroneSentry-C2 command-and-control platform.
2025-09
Launched Vision Pace stabilised targeting director at DSEI 2025 and extended AI options through collaboration with Walaris for AirScout AI module integration.
2022
Awarded £2 million in contracts for Vision Flex and SkyWall Patrol systems to government and military customers in Europe and the Middle East.
2021
Vision Flex participated in NATO's Technology Interchange Experiment (TIE 21), demonstrating AI-optical slew-to-cue from radar and C2 systems.
2019
Launched SkyWall Auto Response (mounted autonomous net capture) and rebranded the SkyWall 100 handheld system as SkyWall Patrol at Milipol 2019 in Paris.
2015
Founded in Prudhoe, Northumberland by five co-founders with backgrounds in defence, mechanical engineering and AI software.
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