OpenWorks Engineering, a UK-based developer of counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS), air defence, and surveillance technologies, is expanding its operations into the United States with a new regional headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia. The company also plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Detroit, Michigan, with the facility expected to open during 2026.
Founded more than a decade ago in Northumberland, England, OpenWorks will retain its UK headquarters while expanding its presence in the US. The company says the new American subsidiary will strengthen its operations and collaboration with NATO nations and allied countries.
OpenWorks began with the development of SkyWall Patrol, an early handheld UAS net-capture system designed to physically intercept drones. The company has since expanded its portfolio into AI-powered autonomous vision technologies through its Vision product family. These systems are designed to provide real-time detection, tracking, identification, and targeting of dynamic threats at extended ranges. According to OpenWorks, its technologies have been deployed at major international events, including the G7 Summit, World Economic Forum, 2024 Paris Olympics, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The company says its workforce has grown significantly, increasing from 26 employees in 2024 to 125 in 2026. As part of the North American expansion, Chris Bigwood has been appointed Executive Vice President responsible for business development and corporate strategy in the region. Bigwood brings nearly three decades of defence-industry experience and will also lead plans for the Detroit manufacturing operation. The location is expected to provide access to engineering and manufacturing capabilities as OpenWorks expands its production activities in the United States.
OpenWorks also reports substantial growth in adoption of its technologies, with product adoption increasing fourfold between 2025 and mid-2026. Its Vision Flex system, a modular solution for surveillance, tracking, and classification, has increased production capability by 2.75 times over the previous year. The company says its systems are already used by customers in the US and that its personnel have trained elite Federal Bureau of Investigation operators on the technology to support operational readiness.
Research and development remains another major area of investment. OpenWorks says it invested more than £2 million in UK-based R&D initiatives during the past year, including university research, PhD programmes focused on autonomous vision systems, and post-doctoral research. The company is also investing in artificial intelligence to improve detection, tracking, identification, and targeting capabilities against increasingly dynamic threats.
The US expansion represents a major step in OpenWorks’ international growth while maintaining its engineering and development base in the UK. The company expects its expanded manufacturing, technology, and commercial presence to support growing demand for C-UAS and autonomous surveillance solutions.
