Radar-absorbing coatings traditionally reserved for advanced military platforms such as stealth fighters and cruise missiles may soon become more accessible and affordable, following recent developments by researchers in China. A team from Foshan University has reported a low-cost microwave-absorbing composite made from expanded graphite and titanium dioxide, potentially paving the way for large-scale production of stealth materials at significantly reduced costs.

The findings were published in the Journal of Ceramics in April, highlighting a material that combines effective electromagnetic wave attenuation with a comparatively straightforward manufacturing process. This contrasts with conventional radar-absorbing materials, which often rely on costly components like graphene, carbon nanotubes, or other engineered composites. By utilizing expanded graphite—a cheaper and more readily available carbon source—researchers suggest the new composite could facilitate mass production and extend applications beyond specialized military use.

Separately, a report on June 1 drew public attention when Shenzhen-based defence technology firm Star-Navi was noted to be selling radar-absorbing coatings for drones in commercial quantities, packaged in containers of 1kg, 5kg, and 10kg. The coatings are described as achieving radar absorption with a thickness ranging from 0.4mm to 0.6mm, withstanding continuous exposure to temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius, making them suitable for a range of drone platforms.

The technical specifications caught the attention of military analysts and defence observers, raising questions about the potential implications of widely available stealth technologies at such thin profiles. Despite Star-Navi’s reported focus on complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor image sensors, optical imaging, security systems, and automotive electronics, the recent offering marks an unusual expansion into radar-absorbing materials.

To verify these claims, an anonymous military materials expert was consulted. The researcher, who holds a doctorate and declined to be named due to the subject's sensitivity, stated that assertions about firms selling radar-absorbing materials in bulk quantities should not be dismissed outright as disinformation, suggesting the developments may be credible.

The convergence of academic research and commercial availability signals a possible shift in the accessibility of stealth coatings, which have historically been complex and costly to produce. If broadly adopted, such technologies could have significant implications for both military and civilian sectors seeking electromagnetic wave attenuation solutions.