Hanwha Vision VGA AI Thermal Cameras: Sub-16mK NETD for Land and Maritime Security

The Hanwha Vision VGA AI Tele lens Thermal Camera series is a new range of AI thermal cameras built for perimeter protection, critical infrastructure, coastal monitoring and border security. It pairs thermal sensitivity below 16mK NETD with AI analytics that classify people, vehicles and vessels, so operators get accurate detection on land and at sea, in any weather and in complete darkness.

Thermal cameras have long been the go-to for seeing activity at night, but detecting heat is only half the job. Telling a person from a fox, or a crouching intruder from a warm patch of ground, is where false alarms creep in. This series is designed to close that gap.

Hanwha Vision VGA AI thermal cameras at a glance

• Thermal sensitivity: NETD below 16mK
• AI analytics: people, vehicle and vessel detection and classification
• Lens options: 13mm, 19mm, 35mm and 60mm
• Frame rate versions: 30fps or 8fps
• Cybersecurity: FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certified Secure Element, SD card partition encryption
• Environmental ratings: IP66/67, NEMA 4X, IK10, MIL-STD-810H
• Power resilience: enhanced transient protection
• Typical applications: critical infrastructure, perimeter protection, ports, coastal and border security

Why does sub-16mK NETD matter for a thermal camera?

NETD (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference) measures the smallest temperature difference a thermal camera can distinguish. The lower the figure, the more sensitive the camera. Hanwha Vision describes the series' NETD of below 16mK as industry-leading.

That sensitivity means the cameras capture finer thermal detail in low-visibility conditions, and that detail is what the AI engine works from. According to Hanwha Vision, the result is more accurate classification of:

• People and vehicles that are partially obscured
• Individuals who are crouching or lying prone

Rather than simply flagging movement, the cameras are designed to reduce false alarms and improve situational awareness on high-risk sites.

AI vessel detection for ports and coastal security

The VGA AI thermal camera series includes AI-powered Vessel Detection, optimised for maritime environments. It detects and classifies vessels using the same intelligent analytics the cameras apply to people and vehicles on land.

Because detection is based on thermal imaging, the cameras keep working in fog, rain, snow and complete darkness. That supports continuous monitoring of shorelines, waterways and open sea, whatever the weather or lighting.

Maritime applications include:

• Coastal protection
• Port security
• Maritime border control

Which lens and frame rate should you choose?

The series is available with four lens options: 13mm, 19mm, 35mm and 60mm. The choice of lens sets the balance between detection range and field of view, so it can be matched to the size and layout of each site.

Every model is offered in a 30fps high-frame-rate version or an 8fps version. This lets customers select a configuration that meets regional regulations and procurement requirements.

Hardware-rooted cybersecurity

Each Hanwha Vision VGA AI thermal camera incorporates a FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certified Secure Element. This provides hardware-rooted encryption designed to protect the system against unauthorised access and cyber threats.

SD card partition encryption adds a further layer, helping to safeguard stored footage from tampering. Where footage may be needed as evidence, keeping its integrity intact matters.

Built for harsh outdoor environments

The series is designed for exposed outdoor installations, with environmental protection that includes:

• IP66/67 ingress protection
• NEMA 4X rating
• IK10 impact resistance
• MIL-STD-810H compliance, covering resistance to rain, humidity, vibration and salt exposure

Enhanced transient protection also improves reliability against electrical surges and unstable power, supporting uninterrupted operation in mission-critical environments.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Hanwha Vision VGA AI Tele lens Thermal Camera series?

The Hanwha Vision VGA AI Tele lens Thermal Camera series is a range of AI thermal security cameras that combines sub-16mK NETD thermal sensitivity with AI analytics to detect and classify people, vehicles and vessels. It is designed for perimeter protection, critical infrastructure security, coastal monitoring, port security and border security.

What does sub-16mK NETD mean on a Hanwha Vision thermal camera?

NETD (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference) is the smallest temperature difference a thermal camera can distinguish, and a lower figure means a more sensitive camera. The Hanwha Vision VGA AI thermal cameras have an NETD below 16mK, which Hanwha Vision describes as industry-leading. That finer thermal detail gives the AI engine more to work from in low-visibility conditions.

How do Hanwha Vision AI thermal cameras reduce false alarms on perimeter protection sites?

Rather than flagging any movement or heat source, the AI analytics classify what they detect as a person, vehicle or vessel. According to Hanwha Vision, the high thermal sensitivity improves classification of partially obscured people and vehicles, and of intruders who are crouching or lying prone, which helps cut false alarms on high-risk sites.

Can Hanwha Vision thermal cameras detect boats and vessels for port and coastal security?

Yes. The Hanwha Vision VGA AI thermal camera series includes AI-powered Vessel Detection, optimised for maritime environments. It detects and classifies vessels for coastal protection, port security and maritime border control.

Do Hanwha Vision AI thermal cameras work in fog, rain, snow and complete darkness?

Yes. Because detection is based on thermal imaging rather than visible light, Hanwha Vision states the cameras maintain reliable performance in fog, rain, snow and complete darkness. That supports continuous monitoring of perimeters, shorelines and waterways whatever the weather or lighting.

Which lens options and frame rates are available for the Hanwha Vision VGA AI thermal camera range?

There are four lens options: 13mm, 19mm, 35mm and 60mm. The lens sets the balance between detection range and field of view. Every model is offered in a 30fps high-frame-rate version or an 8fps version, so the configuration can meet regional regulations and procurement requirements.

Are Hanwha Vision thermal cameras FIPS 140-3 certified for cybersecurity?

Yes. Each Hanwha Vision VGA AI thermal camera incorporates a FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certified Secure Element, providing hardware-rooted encryption against unauthorised access and cyber threats. SD card partition encryption also protects stored CCTV footage from tampering, helping to preserve its integrity as evidence.

Are Hanwha Vision thermal cameras suitable for harsh outdoor, coastal and critical infrastructure sites?

Yes. The cameras carry IP66/67, NEMA 4X and IK10 ratings and comply with MIL-STD-810H, which covers resistance to rain, humidity, vibration and salt exposure. Enhanced transient protection guards against electrical surges and unstable power on mission-critical sites.

Where can I buy Hanwha Vision VGA AI thermal cameras in the UK?

Explore the Hanwha Vision range at Norbain, or speak to your Norbain account manager or contact us to discuss availability for your perimeter, port or coastal security project.

Find out more

With this launch, Hanwha Vision continues to expand its AI-driven surveillance portfolio. Explore the Hanwha Vision range at Norbain, or read more about the VGA AI Tele lens Thermal Camera series on the Hanwha Vision website.

To talk through availability or an upcoming perimeter or coastal project, get in touch with your account manager or contact us.