A Civilian-Looking Tool with Military Power
In May 2025, Chinese researchers unveiled a handheld device that can detect radar emissions from some of the most advanced U.S. stealth aircraft. While it looks like a civilian tool, its capabilities signal major military potential.
Cracking the Code of Low-Probability-of-Intercept (LPIR) Radar
The 38th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation developed this compact system. It targets LPIR radar systems—used by stealth aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, and B-2 Spirit—that emit weak, frequency-hopping signals designed to evade detection.
Consequently, these radars have traditionally been difficult to locate using conventional equipment.
How the Device Works
The team modified a commercial TFN RMT744A spectrum analyzer to track stealth radar signals. During field tests, the device identified radar emissions with remarkable precision—showing a positioning error of just 10 to 13.5 millimeters. It also functioned effectively under simulated jamming conditions, making it a formidable counter-stealth tool.
Dual-Use Technology with Strategic Consequences
Although this handheld device is officially intended for telecommunications operations, Chinese engineers demonstrated that it can support military-grade detection. The successful tests raise alarms about the dual-use nature of modern commercial technology.
Moreover, this development illustrates how civilian tools are increasingly being adapted for battlefield use—blurring the line between non-military and military tech.
A Challenge to the Future of Stealth
China’s advancement adds pressure to stealth-dependent strategies. By making radar emissions traceable—even from LPIR systems—Beijing could undermine the core advantage of U.S. stealth platforms.
As a result, this breakthrough may shift the dynamics of air combat, forcing stealth developers to rethink future designs and countermeasures.
