OpenWorks Engineering (UK) – Counter-UAS Kinetic Net Systems

European defense and security planners face the growing menace of small drones, and OpenWorks Engineering has emerged as a notable UK-based provider of kinetic counter-UAS (C-UAS) solutions. Founded in 2015 in Prudhoe, Northumberland, OpenWorks has developed the SkyWall family of drone capture systems – a unique approach using a compressed-air launcher that fires a parachute-tethered net to physically ensnare drones. With adoption by European law enforcement and NATO summit security forces, OpenWorks offers a home-grown alternative to purely electronic defeat measures. This report examines OpenWorks’ strategic and technological profile in the context of Europe’s drive for defense autonomy and deterrence.

It considers how the company’s tech addresses key European Emerging and Disruptive Technology (EDT) priorities, its integration with NATO frameworks, and its role in reducing reliance on non-allied suppliers. By analyzing its products, partnerships and programs, we assess OpenWorks’ contribution to Europe’s defense industrial base and alliance interoperability. OpenWorks Engineering is a privately held UK deep-tech scale-up specializing in counter-drone systems. Its core offerings – the SkyWall net-launchers and autonomous vision sensors – align with European defense EDT priorities in autonomous systems, AI-enabled sensing, and advanced C4ISR.

The company’s UK-based supply chain and integration with allied technologies (e.g. Thales EO/IR and Echodyne radar) help substitute non-European components, contributing to allied sovereignty objectives. OpenWorks’ products have been fielded by NATO and EU partners (Belgian/Polish police, NATO summit security), demonstrating interoperability with multi-domain C-UAS architectures. Its participation in EU police training (ISF SKYFALL project) and U.S. competitions shows transatlantic resonance. However, gaps remain in radar and directed-energy integration, and the UK’s non-EU status limits formal EDF/PESCO roles.