The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has introduced a revolutionary technology called the Metamaterial Surface Cloaking System (Analakṣhya MSCS). This new invention is a big step forward in stealth technology and is expected to boost India's defence and security. It will help India stay ahead of modern surveillance systems, especially those using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), making it harder for such technologies to detect objects or areas.

Prof Anantha Ramakrishna (Dept. of Physics), Prof Kumar Vaibhav Srivastava (Dept. of Electrical Engineering), and Prof J Ramkumar (Dept. of Mechanical Engineering) are some of the leading researchers of IIT Kanpur have developed this cutting-edge technology.

Analakṣhya MSCS is specifically designed to provide near-perfect wave absorption across a broad electromagnetic spectrum. This new metamaterial can make objects almost invisible to Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), a key technology used in modern military surveillance.

The system was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by the top defence and academic leaders. Key speakers included Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force’s Central Air Command, and Lieutenant General Cherish Mathson. 

Both the officers marked the strategic importance of the technology. Air Marshal Dixit praised the system’s innovation, calling it a major advancement in tackling one of the biggest challenges faced by militaries today: the widespread and accurate capabilities of modern intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems.

This Stealth technology is a major advancement in this category giving enhanced protection against radar-guided missiles and surveillance systems.

Its unique design tackles key challenges in modern warfare by providing a new level of defence. The material’s ability to absorb microwaves across a wide range of frequencies ensures military assets are shielded from detection, even in situations where traditional stealth methods might not be effective. This makes it an important tool for improving the security of military equipment in complex battle environments.

The system has been developed by the faculty of IIT Kanpur in collaboration with a team of research students that includes Dr Kajal Chowdhary, Dr Abhinav Bhardwaj, and Gagandeep Singh.Before commencing it in the defence forces the technology was tested in labs and in real-world conditions from 2019 to 2024 to make sure it works in different situations. 

More than 90% of the materials used in the system are made in India, showing the country's increasing independence in developing defence technologies.

Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar called the technology a "game-changer" for military operations, stressing its importance globally. He explained that in areas with advanced technology, being visible can slow down military actions, but this material gives the advantage needed to stay ahead.