Design and Applications of Multi‐Frequency Programmable Metamaterials for Adaptive Stealth

Abstract Metamaterials (MMs) are precisely designed composites with electromagnetic properties not found in natural materials, emerging as a groundbreaking technology for advanced stealth applications. This review offers a thorough synthesis of recent advancements in MM design, highlighting their exceptional capability to manipulate electromagnetic waves across microwave, infrared, and visible spectral ranges. The core principles behind MM‐enabled stealth, such as negative refractive index, cloaking, and wavefront shaping are explored, showcasing their effectiveness in significantly lowering radar cross‐section and thermal signatures, thus improving concealment. A detailed evaluation of nanoscale synthesis techniques, using both inorganic and organic materials, underscores the crucial importance of precise structural control to achieve these sophisticated functionalities. This work provides a comprehensive analysis of MM applications within military and aerospace stealth contexts, while also addressing contemporary challenges related to scalability, cost‐effectiveness, and environmental stability. Additionally, it presents a balanced evaluation of the technology's current maturity and its prospects for near‐future deployment. Beyond strategic defense uses, the transformative potential of MMs in civilian fields like transportation and communication is examined, highlighting their extensive influence on the progress of next‐generation technologies. This review outlines a clear path for future research, highlighting the crucial role of MMs in advancing electromagnetic control and stealth.