AI-powered video analytics has become a game-changing technology in military and defense operations as the technology can detect anomalies, identify objects or individuals, and monitor real-time events without requiring constant human oversight. This has become a huge help to defense professionals who can now automatically process, analyze, and find actionable insights from video footage. This blog explores the top five applications and benefits of AI-powered video analytics, showing how this technology is changing the way defense professionals approach surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational efficiency.
Machine Learning in AI Video Analytics: How It Works
At the core of AI video analytics lies machine learning (ML) algorithms. These algorithms are trained on massive datasets until they are able to independently recognize patterns, objects, and behaviors. Here’s how the technology typically works:
- Data Ingestion – AI systems process live or stored video feeds.
- Pre-processing – The system enhances image quality, stabilizes footage, and removes irrelevant frames.
- Analysis – Using these trained ML models, the system identifies objects, actions, and anomalies within the video.
- Output – The results are delivered as alerts, reports, or visual overlays, enabling quick decision-making.
5 Common Applications for AI Video Analysis
1. Military Surveillance
AI video analytics is helping improve military surveillance by detecting critical events in real-time, such as unauthorized access, suspicious activities, or tracking troop movements. For example, automated systems can flag unusual behavior patterns at checkpoints or suspiciously placed objects, which can allow the defense to take action to neutralize potential threats. This reduces the reliance on human operators while increasing the efficiency of monitoring tasks. These AI-enhanced surveillance systems have significantly improved threat detection accuracy. The International Institute for Strategic Studies reports that AI surveillance systems increase threat detection accuracy by 40% compared to traditional methods.
2. AI Facial Recognition
The facial recognition market is experiencing explosive growth, with projections indicating it will reach $12.92 billion by 2027. Facial recognition technology analyzes facial features to match individuals against a database – ideal for identifying high-priority targets, ensuring only authorized personnel can access restricted zones., and monitoring personnel movements in military and defense situations.
3. Real-Time Video Processing
To achieve true situational awareness across military and HLS applications, real-time video processing is often an essential factor. For example, during military field operations, real-time analysis can detect specific threats or suspicious movements in live feeds, which can help commanders make strategic decisions without delay. In fact, the global AI in video surveillance market, which encompasses real-time processing capabilities, was valued at $5.74 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 28.1% from 2024 to 2030.
4. Drone-Based Reconnaissance
AI-powered video analytics boosts drone capabilities for military reconnaissance by processing aerial footage to extract valuable intelligence. This includes identifying enemy positions, detecting hidden equipment, or mapping terrain features. When AI is integrated into drone operations, human error is minimized and military personnel benefit from precise, actionable data for planning and execution, even in challenging or remote environments. For example, since 2022, Ukraine has collected over two million hours of battlefield-based video data from drones and is now using this data to train AI models for improved decision-making and target identification.
5. Threat Detection in Urban Environments
Urban areas are known to be difficult for surveillance, with crowded spaces and fast-paced activities. AI video analytics can identify unusual behaviors, unattended objects, or potential hazards, helping to ensure public safety. By automatically and continuously analyzing video feeds from multiple cameras, the technology can alert operators to potential risks, i.e. suspicious packages or escalating confrontations, in real-time. An example is the implementation of AI video analytics technology during the Paris Olympics, where 485 cameras equipped with AI software were deployed under the supervision of the Paris police and transport authority. The system was authorized to detect behaviors such as abandoned objects, falls, and unusual crowd movements to improve security during the event.
Benefits and Advantages of Using AI Video Analysis
- Better Situational Awareness: AI video analysis provides operators with a comprehensive view of the environment, enabling faster and more informed decisions.
- Cost Efficiency: Automating video monitoring reduces the need for extensive human eyes, lowering operational costs without sacrificing effectiveness.
- Improved Threat Detection: AI systems can identify potential threats more accurately than human operators, which can minimize false alarms.
- Scalability: AI-powered systems can monitor multiple feeds simultaneously, making them ideal for large-scale operations.
- Seamless Integration: Modern AI video analytics platforms, like those from Maris-Tech, integrate easily with existing systems, so customers can enhance functionality without requiring significant infrastructure changes.
About Maris-Tech’s Products
Maris-Tech, a global leader in video and AI-based edge computing technology, specializes in providing AI-powered video analytics solutions specifically designed for military and defense applications. Our proven ability to capture and analyze high-quality video at the edge in real-time has emerged as a critical technology component for effective decision-making, data analytics, and, ultimately – mission success.
Our customizable solutions are tailored to meet unique operational needs, allowing seamless integration with each customer’s existing infrastructure. Whether you want to enhance AI surveillance, improve threat detection, or optimize situational awareness, Maris-Tech’s AI-powered video analytics can upgrade your operations.
Contact us to learn more or schedule a demo.