China’s new ‘ghost’ radar may let military operate in total silence

Chinese researchers from the Aerospace Information Research Institute have developed a novel "telepathy" radar system that enables military communication without emitting detectable electromagnetic signals. Unlike traditional radio communications, which broadcast signals that can be intercepted, jammed, or targeted by missile attacks, this new method uses a "smart surface" composed of programmable metamaterial tiles. These tiles modulate and scatter radar echoes from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, encoding data directly into the reflected signals without generating additional emissions. This approach allows combat units to communicate covertly, effectively rendering them "invisible" in electronic warfare scenarios. The system, detailed in the Journal of Radars, operates by switching the metamaterial tiles between two phase states to encode messages, blending the communication seamlessly into the natural electromagnetic background. While still in the laboratory testing phase, this technology promises to significantly reduce detection risks and enhance communication security on the battlefield. If validated in real-world conditions, it could provide Chinese military assets—such as tanks, aircraft, and naval vessels