According to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the era of stealth technology dominance is coming to an end. As stated by DARPA Deputy Director Rob McHenry at the Mitchell Institute webinar on June 25, 2025, the rapid development of quantum sensors and other technologies is radically changing the landscape of military confrontation.
The key reasons for the obsolescence of stealth technologies
1. Breakthrough in sensor technology
Quantum sensors are capable of detecting the slightest gravitational anomalies from hidden objects, magnetic field distortions, and micro-vibrations that remain invisible to traditional radars. This makes even the most advanced stealth systems vulnerable.
2. Changing priorities in the development of weapons
DARPA is focusing on new features such as high speed (including hypersonic systems), active defense (electronic warfare, laser interception systems), and maneuverability using artificial intelligence to evade threats.
3. Economic inefficiency
The cost of developing and maintaining stealth capabilities is becoming disproportionately high against the background of the availability of modern sensor technologies for a wide range of countries.
Future alternatives to stealth technologies
Instead of traditional stealth, the future belongs to quantum radars that can detect almost any hidden object, hypersonic missiles that shorten the enemy's reaction time, and laser systems for intercepting missiles and drones. In addition, swarm drones capable of carrying out massive and intelligent attacks are actively developing. These technologies provide more flexible and effective ways of conducting combat operations than passive evasion.
Although DARPA predicts a decrease in the importance of stealth technologies, their complete disappearance is unlikely in the next 15-20 years. Next-generation projects such as the B-21 Raider and NGAD continue to combine stealth with other advanced technologies. However, the focus is shifting to multispectral camouflage, dynamic adaptation to real-time threats, and electronic warfare as the main form of protection.
As Rob McHenry noted, "The future will be determined not by stealth, but by the ability to detect faster, hit more accurately, and defend more effectively." This position reflects a fundamental shift in military strategy — from passive avoidance to active dominance in the electromagnetic spectrum and cyberspace.
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