China Teases Smart Tech That Harvests Radar Energy to Power Stealth Jets

The smart surface harvests energy from electromagnetic waves, enabling self-powered sensing, communications, and potential stealth applications in contested environments.

Could a stealth aircraft one day power itself using enemy radar beams?

A team of Chinese scientists claimed it is possible, developing what they call a “smart surface” capable of harvesting usable electricity from electromagnetic waves.

The system blends communications tech with electromagnetic engineering, aiming to support intelligent stealth systems and next-gen 6G networks.

It also integrates wireless data transfer and energy harvesting, hinting at potential applications in electronic warfare.

As an “all-in-one” device with sensing, communication, and self-sustaining power, the smart surface is designed to handle intensive tasks while resisting jamming attacks.

“Ultimately, it is expected to have a broad impact on 6G communications, the Internet of Things, intelligent stealth and other related fields,” the research team wrote.

“As the technology continues to mature, it is envisioned that [smart surfaces] may play a pivotal role in enabling more sophisticated, efficient, and reliable robotic operations, opening a new era of advancements in intelligent and connected systems.”

Next-Gen Power, Stealth

The team envisions the tech helping stealth aircraft stay harder to detect while coordinating seamlessly with multiple platforms.

Instead of dodging enemy radar, future jets could draw power from the radar beams themselves, using them for both energy and communication.

The concept could also unlock new possibilities for next-gen communications satellites, enabling self-powered sensors, micro base stations, and integrated relay systems.

“In the future, this architecture could enable the development of environment-adaptive integrated sensing and communication … as well as self-powered sensing systems,” the team noted.