Australia is accelerating efforts to protect frontline troops from the growing threat of small drones, awarding a contract to defense technology firm OpenWorks under the Australian Defence Force’s Land 156 counter-drone program.

The company will supply its Vision Guard intelligent optics system for evaluation as part of the ADF’s AU$1.3 billion initiative to strengthen defenses against uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). Military planners intend to use the compact platform as an early-warning capability for dismounted soldiers operating in contested environments.

The move reflects a broader shift among Western militaries toward distributed counter-drone systems. Recent conflicts have highlighted how inexpensive commercial and military-grade drones can threaten troops far from traditional air defense coverage.

Frontline use

OpenWorks designed Vision Guard to give soldiers rapid situational awareness without adding significant weight to their equipment. The system combines panoramic surveillance with artificial intelligence-driven detection software to identify and track small drones at extended distances.

Operators can deploy the system in less than two minutes, allowing units to establish surveillance positions quickly. OpenWorks says troops can carry the core equipment and supporting sensors inside a standard military backpack.

The platform supports multiple sensor configurations. Users can integrate active and passive detection technologies, including radar and acoustic sensors, depending on mission requirements. OpenWorks’ software then fuses data from those sensors to improve detection accuracy and reduce operator workload.

The company developed the system with strict size, weight, and power requirements in mind. That approach allows small units to operate independently while maintaining awareness of nearby aerial threats.

AI-powered drone detection

At the center of Vision Guard is OpenWorks’ proprietary artificial intelligence engine. The software analyzes incoming sensor data and automatically classifies potential threats. The system focuses on detecting and identifying Class 1 drones, which are among the smallest categories of military and commercial unmanned aircraft.

Despite their size, these drones have become a persistent battlefield challenge because they are inexpensive, difficult to detect, and increasingly capable. By providing early warning, Vision Guard aims to give troops additional time to respond before a drone can conduct surveillance or deliver an attack.

Defense organizations across Europe and the United States have already tested or deployed the technology. The system also participated in Project Vanaheim, a joint U.K.-U.S. experimentation effort that examined future approaches to interoperable counter-drone operations.

Growing counter-drone demand

The Australian contract comes as militaries worldwide increase investment in layered counter-UAS networks. Rather than relying solely on large strategic assets, defense planners increasingly seek portable systems that can move with frontline forces.

James Cross, chief commercial officer at OpenWorks, said the company recognizes the responsibility associated with supporting the Australian military’s modernization efforts. He described Vision Guard as a compact system designed to improve situational awareness for dispersed units. Cross added that OpenWorks is proud to support Australia’s efforts to strengthen counter-drone capabilities.

As drone threats continue to evolve, defense programs such as Land 156 are expected to play a key role in shaping the next generation of battlefield surveillance and force protection technologies.