Recently, scientists at Zhejiang University (China) announced a breakthrough stealth technology that can turn planes and drones into invisible objects with radar systems.

The technology, known as an "invisibility cloak," could usher in a new era in modern warfare.

Aircraft and drones are often detected by radar waves, as they reflect signals from enemy radar systems.

However, Zhejiang University's invisibility cloak technology is designed to fool radar systems, using special materials.

These materials have the ability to bend electromagnetic waves, allowing them to pass through planes or drones without being reflected back.

AI sensor automatically changes surface structure to avoid radar

For decades, militaries around the world have been researching methods to make fighter jets difficult to detect with radar.

Stealth aircraft such as the US F-35 and F-22 have been equipped with shells made from special materials that help absorb radar waves instead of reflecting them.

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Stealth technology on aircraft still has inherent disadvantages. Photo: PopMech

However, current stealth technology still has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to radars with complex frequencies. Countries like Russia and China have developed radar methods that can detect stealth aircraft, making stealth less effective.

This has spurred new research, with the goal of creating true invisibility for military vehicles. The special 3D material used by Chinese scientists is capable of effectively directing electromagnetic waves, ensuring operation in all environmental conditions, from land, sea to air.

One notable point in Zhejiang University's research is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into invisibility cloak technology.

Drones can use sensors to measure the frequency and angular velocity of radar waves. AI then processes this information and instructs the drone to manipulate nanostructures on the surface of a material to modify the waves, making the aircraft or drone invisible in real time, without human intervention.

Tests in a simulated environment have shown that the electric field strength of a drone wearing an invisibility cloak can reach about 90% of the surrounding environment, much better than drones not equipped with this technology (only about 45%).

Potential to change modern warfare

Although current stealth cloak technology is primarily designed for drones, defense experts say it would be a key step in developing next-generation fighter jets.

Stealth drones, or even swarms of drones, would provide a huge advantage in potential conflicts.

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The ability to evade radar with new technology could open up significant changes on the battlefield. Photo: NDM

China is not the only country developing stealth technology, but with recent breakthroughs in new materials research and AI capabilities, they are revolutionizing the field.

If successful, invisibility cloak technology will completely change the landscape of modern warfare, especially in conflicts involving drones and stealth aircraft.

The US military has been at the forefront of stealth aircraft development. The US Department of Defense began researching the technology in the 1970s, but it wasn't until a Pentagon press conference in 1980 that the technology was made public.

The first US stealth aircraft then entered combat in 1989.

Since then, America's adversaries (and even some allies) have also begun developing countermeasures to detect and destroy stealth aircraft.

Current countermeasures include radars with more complex frequency bands that can capture a wider spectrum. Currently, Russia uses radar systems that operate in low frequency bands, including the Nebo-M radar.

The system emits long waves, making it difficult for stealth aircraft to avoid radar waves. For example, US stealth aircraft can be detected by Nebo-M radars because they are designed to avoid short-frequency radar waves.

However, the challenge remains enormous. Scientists are still working to overcome the problems associated with controlling radar waves over a wide frequency range.

Still, with rapid advances in technology, it is possible that in the next few years, invisibility cloaks will become an important part of the arsenals of military powers.

The US government is considering imposing restrictions on drones made in China, or even banning them entirely in the US, citing national security concerns.