Recent advancements in metamaterial stealth technology are revolutionizing the aerospace and defense sectors. This cutting-edge technology aims to enhance invisibility cloaks, reduce radar cross-section, and improve multispectral evasion capabilities. China and India are at the forefront of these developments, demonstrating significant innovations that could redefine modern warfare.
Chinese Innovations in Metamaterial Stealth
Chinese researchers and institutions have made remarkable strides in stealth technology. Notably, scientists from Zhejiang University have developed an Aeroamphibious Invisibility Cloak specifically designed for drones. This innovative cloak utilizes a novel 3D metamaterial structure that manipulates electromagnetic waves, allowing fast-moving objects to evade detection across air, water, and land environments. Such versatility could be crucial for military operations in diverse terrains.
One of the most significant breakthroughs is seen in China’s new carrier-capable stealth fighter, the Shenyang J-35. Reports indicate that this aircraft achieves a radar cross-section (RCS) smaller than a human palm, estimated between 10-100 cm², comparable to the United States’ F-35 stealth fighter. This reduction is achieved through advanced shaping techniques and domestically developed metamaterial coatings that effectively absorb or deflect radar waves, thereby enhancing the aircraft’s stealth capabilities.
Additionally, Chinese researchers are pioneering a paper-thin stealth coating that converts radar waves into heat, significantly improving radar evasion for various aircraft. Such innovations are supported by companies like Kuang-Chi, which are advancing metamaterials production, crucial for both military applications and next-generation telecom infrastructure, including 5G and 6G technologies. This reflects a strategic approach to military-civil fusion, maximizing the benefits of technological advancements across sectors.
Indian Advances in Stealth Technology
India is also making substantial contributions to metamaterial stealth. The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has launched the Anālakṣhya Metamaterial Surface Cloaking System. This system exhibits near-perfect electromagnetic wave absorption across a broad spectrum, enhancing counter-radar capabilities for critical military platforms such as fighter jets, naval vessels, and drones. The adaptive cloaking features of this system allow it to respond dynamically to various radar frequencies, making it a versatile asset in modern combat.
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is another notable project, introducing an eco-friendly green stealth coating that emphasizes sustainable technology in defense applications. This innovative coating not only enhances radar evasion but also aligns with global sustainability goals, marking a significant milestone in environmentally conscious stealth technology development.
Furthermore, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in India is advancing multispectral evasion technologies for the AMCA and other platforms. This integration of stealth across multiple detection spectra is essential for maintaining operational superiority in contested environments.
Market Dynamics and Strategic Implications
The global metamaterials market is experiencing rapid growth, projected to expand from $2.08 billion in 2025 to approximately $15.36 billion by 2034. This surge is largely driven by defense applications and advancements in telecommunications. As nations continue to prioritize stealth technology, these developments reflect a strategic emphasis on reducing battlefield transparency and gaining operational advantages.
The ongoing innovations in metamaterials and stealth technology underscore their importance as critical enablers in modern military operations. With the ability to manipulate electromagnetic waves and enhance evasion capabilities, these technologies are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aerospace and defense.
Conclusion
The advancements in metamaterial stealth technology from China and India signify a transformative era in aerospace and defense. As nations invest in innovative solutions like invisibility cloaks and advanced radar-evading coatings, the implications for military strategy and operational effectiveness are profound. The integration of eco-friendly materials and multispectral evasion further positions these nations as leaders in the next generation of stealth technology. As the metamaterials market continues to grow, the future of stealth capabilities looks promising, poised to redefine the landscape of modern combat.
References
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The Metamaterials Revolution: Engineering Reality at the … (idstch.com) - 10/17/2025 As of 2025, the global metamaterials market is valued at $2.08 billion, with forecasts estimating it will reach $15.36 billion by 2034. This …
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Kuang-Chi’s Metamaterials Breakthrough: A Game-Changer for Next … (www.ainvest.com) - 10/12/2025 - Metamaterials tech enables stealth capabilities and 5G/6G infrastructure, aligning with China’s military-civil fusion strategy. - 2025 …
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China Touts J-35 Stealth Jet With Palm-Sized Radar Cross Section (www.flyingmag.com) - 9/29/2025 State media claims carrier-based fighter can evade detection with advanced shaping and metamaterials. Ryan Ewing.
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Chinese military invents a new invisibility cloak for drones (www.fanaticalfuturist.com) - 3/25/2025 Scientists at Zhejiang University in China announced that they had created just that: an “Aeroamphibious invisibility cloak” for aircraft.
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India Develops Radar-Evading ‘Invisibility Cloak’ System (thedefensepost.com) - 12/13/2024 The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has launched an electromagnetic (EM) wave-absorbing system, promising a leap in stealth technology.
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China develops new stealth coating to blind anti-stealth radars (interestingengineering.com) - 11/25/2024 Chinese researchers have allegedly developed a new paper-thin coating that can turn radar waves into heat to hide aircraft.
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India’s AMCA Fighter Jet Pioneers Green Coating: A Milestone in … (idrw.org) India’s AMCA Fighter Jet Pioneers Green Coating: A Milestone in Eco-Friendly Stealth Technology. Published October 16, 2025 | By admin. SOURCE: IDRW.ORG. In …
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Pioneering Multispectral Evasion for AMCA and Beyond - Idrw.org (idrw.org) DRDO’s Stealth Symphony: Pioneering Multispectral Evasion for AMCA and Beyond. Published October 21, 2025 | By admin. SOURCE: AFI. The Defence Research and …
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Sparrow on Radar, Hawk in the Sky: China j-35 Stealth Jet (defensemirror.com) The J-35s low radar signature is comparable or better than the best stealth fighters in the world. Defensemirror.com bureau; 01:00 PM, October 1, 2025 … Air …
