Abstract Electro-optical devices are used for military applications to detect, identify and track targets. Typically, video information is presented to an operator. With an increasing availability of such devices data volumes are becoming large, and the need for automated analysis is becoming more urgent. In a military setting, this typically involves detecting and identifying targets as early as possible, i.e., when little visual information is available. The identification can be facilitated by combining the video stream into single enhanced images that provide more information for the operator. Using simulated and basic experimental images the authors study alignment in the aforementioned context and find that basic correlation is a potentially useful technique. Problems with background variation can be overcome and good alignment can be obtained even with severe noise. The authors illustrate how alignment quality responds to various parameters, which will help in the development of practical applications.