The Walloon start-up IDDEA has developed a solution capable of rapidly identifying military equipment in the field using artificial intelligence, based on still images or video streams. A promising technology that could attract armed forces and international organisations worldwide.
Identifying a military target instantly and with precision is now possible. In a context where the defence sector is undergoing rapid transformation and dual-use technologies are gaining prominence, small innovative companies are playing a decisive role in delivering disruptive solutions. Based near Namur (Belgium), IDDEA perfectly illustrates this trend by developing a military equipment identification technology designed for forces deployed in the field.
An idea born from a real operational need
The origins of the project date back to 2019. IDDEA’s founder, Alain Servaes, drew inspiration from a method used by the US Army: distributing playing cards featuring enemy military equipment to help soldiers quickly recognise “enemy” assets on the ground.
However, in the digital age and given the growing complexity of modern battlefields – particularly the highly transparent environments seen in Ukraine – this method needed to be modernised. The proliferation of equipment variants, continuous system upgrades, and the massive circulation of images from highly diverse environments have made visual identification more challenging than ever.
The idea was therefore to modernise this approach with a digital solution capable of analysing an image and delivering immediately actionable information.
A solution capable of identifying vehicles, drones and weapon systems
IDDEA’s solution is based on two complementary pillars: AI-powered identification software and a lightweight, configurable embedded version designed for offline use and integration across multiple platforms.
Thanks to a comprehensive database of military equipment, users can identify the exact model of equipment – whether combat vehicles, naval assets, drones or weapon systems – and access key operational information. In real-world situations, such data can prove decisive: armour type, firing capabilities, ammunition used, or threat level.
The technology can also distinguish between highly similar systems. For instance, drones used in various conflicts – such as Iranian Shahed models or their variants produced in other countries, including Russian Geran drones – may look nearly identical but feature critical technical differences.
Today, armed forces can generally identify broad categories of equipment, but differentiating between specific models remains challenging. IDDEA’s solution aims to bridge this gap by delivering fast, field-ready analysis and supporting decision-making processes. On the battlefield, every second counts.
A solution designed for operational deployment
One of the key strengths of IDDEA’s technology is its ability to operate offline. The database can be preloaded before a mission and used locally on a device throughout deployment, without relying on external connectivity. This capability is essential for units operating in environments where communications are limited or unavailable.
The solution has been designed for use across a wide range of operational contexts: land, naval and air forces, specialised units, and demining teams. Certain humanitarian organisations operating in conflict zones could also benefit from such a tool.
Technological independence: a strategic European solution developed in Wallonia
To further enhance the performance of its solution, IDDEA is now investing in the development of its own identification algorithm, ensuring full technological independence.
This approach addresses a growing challenge in the defence sector: technological sovereignty. “It is essential to retain full control over the technology we develop,” emphasises the founder.
Illustrations : J. Van Belle (Wallonia Export) & IDDEA
