Silent Hunters: The Rise of Stealth Technology in Modern Naval Warfare

Stealth technology is no longer the exclusive domain of aviation. Modern navies are increasingly incorporating low-observable features into their surface combatants and submarines to gain a critical edge. This article delves into the principles of naval stealth, including radar cross-section (RCS) reduction, acoustic silencing, and infrared signature management. We examine the design philosophies behind iconic stealth ships like the Zumwalt-class destroyer and the Swedish Visby-class corvette. Furthermore, we explore the cat-and-mouse game between stealth platforms and advanced sensor technologies, discussing how navies are balancing survivability, cost, and mission capability in the 21st-century maritime environment.