DroneShield and OpenWorks Engineering expand C2 interoperability

Above: DroneShield’s DroneSentry sample configuration with OpenWorks Engineering optical sensor.  
Courtesy DroneShield  

The partnership strengthens DroneShield’s ability to unify multidomain sensor inputs within a single operational C2 environment, delivering enhanced detection, tracking and decision superiority for end users. 

OpenWorks Engineering is a UK-based technology company specialising in advanced optical sensor systems and imaging solutions for defence, security and industrial applications. With a heritage rooted in delivering modular, high-resolution optical sensing for challenging environments, OpenWorks remains focused on precision detection, identification and continuous tracking of airborne objects.  

Interoperability with OpenWorks Engineering optical sensors adds another high-value option to DroneShield’s ecosystem, enabling customers to enhance visual detection, tracking and identification capabilities within a single, cohesive command-and-control environment. 

While additional sensors enhance coverage, operational advantage is achieved at the command-and-control layer. DroneSentry-C2 serves as the authoritative decision engine that combines and prioritises inputs across RF, optical and other supported modalities.  

Within the DroneSentry-C2 platform, powered by its SensorFusion engine sits DroneShield’s proprietary DroneOptID, an AI-driven machine vision capability designed to deliver autonomous visual detection, validation, and tracking of drone threats using optical sensors such as OpenWorks. DroneOptID enhances the common operating picture by providing real-time visual confirmation once a drone is detected and cued by the broader sensor network. DroneOptID automatically slews the camera to the target, validates the threat, and maintains persistent tracking using advanced machine learning, without requiring manual or continuous operator input. 

DroneOptID also assists in assessing payload indicators, modifications and countermeasure effectiveness, while securely storing video for post-event review and forensic analysis, strengthening layered airspace security across the DroneSentry-C2 ecosystem. 



Above: DroneShield demonstrating DroneSentry-C2 in Finland.
Courtesy DroneShield 

Rather than presenting operators with parallel systems or fragmented dashboards, DroneSentry-C2 provides a unified operational interface where sensor data is fused, contextualised and prioritised in real time, with DroneSentry-C2 Enterprise enabling coordinated oversight across geographically dispersed and enterprise-scale deployments.  

“Operators need clarity, not complexity,” said Angus Bean, DroneShield’s Chief Product Officer. 

James Cross, Chief Commercial Officer for OpenWorks said: “Expanding our ecosystem with additional optical sensing technologies from OpenWorks Engineering gives customers more options to tailor their deployments, while SensorFusionAI ensures all inputs are combined into a clear, operational picture.

“Collaboration with DroneShield enhances channels through which intelligent and autonomous vision systems from OpenWorks can be deployed. We share DroneShield’s approach to modularity, creating configurable ecosystems of technology that integrate with end-users’ existing systems. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship with DroneShield throughout 2026.” 

DroneShield’s expanding ecosystem reflects a broader vision, creating a marketplace of interoperable technologies that empowers operators to configure, evolve and scale their C-UxS capabilities over time. 

By prioritising open architecture, interoperability and AI-driven intelligence, DroneShield is positioning its platform as the foundation for layered, multisensor airspace security strategies, without constraining customers to a single hardware pathway. 

This ecosystem model supports procurement flexibility, accelerates deployment timelines and aligns with the realities faced by defence, security and public safety organisations operating in rapidly changing threat environments.