SIGNALInfrastructure Software·May 24, 2026, 12:25 PMSignal75Short term

Researcher develops 'spray-on' stealth coating for drones — volcanic rock formulation claims to reduce radar return signals by up to 43dB, compared to 20 to 30dB for typical radar absorbent material

Source: Tom's Hardware

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Researcher develops 'spray-on' stealth coating for drones — volcanic rock formulation claims to reduce radar return signals by up to 43dB, compared to 20 to 30dB for typical radar absorbent material

Users can easily spray on this radar absorbent material on any drone to increase their survivability in contested skies.

Why this matters
Why now

Ongoing global conflicts are accelerating the development and deployment of counter-drone technologies and drone survivability solutions, making novel stealth materials highly relevant.

Why it’s important

This development significantly enhances the survivability and operational effectiveness of drones in contested environments, altering tactical considerations for military and potentially civilian applications.

What changes

The ease of application and enhanced radar absorption of this 'spray-on' coating lowers the barrier to entry for advanced stealth capabilities on various drone platforms.

Winners
  • · Defence contractors
  • · Military forces utilizing drones
  • · Volcanic rock material science firms
Losers
  • · Traditional radar detection systems
  • · Anti-drone weapon manufacturers
Second-order effects
Direct

Drones equipped with this coating will have a significantly higher chance of completing missions while evading detection.

Second

This will drive a new cycle of investment in more advanced radar and counter-stealth technologies.

Third

The widespread adoption could lead to a re-evaluation of airspace control strategies and drone warfare doctrine globally.

Editorial confidence: 90 / 100 · Structural impact: 60 / 100
Original report

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