Combat Ships

These vessels conduct covert operations, remaining hidden from hostile forces and enemy detection. From clandestine missions that contributed to the Allied victory in the Second World War to today’s advanced stealth ships, they exemplify secret naval capability throughout global history.

Stealth is a programme presented as a single episode that focuses on the hidden side of naval warfare. The series pulls back the curtain on vessels that have operated out of sight, offering viewers a glimpse into the covert world of ships that have rarely been seen by their opponents. It blends historical analysis with present‑day insight, giving a concise overview of covert naval operations. The episode tracks a range of craft, from those that carried out clandestine missions during the Second World War to the cutting‑edge stealth ships of today. It highlights how these vessels were designed to remain invisible to enemy detection, playing pivotal roles in secret operations that contributed to Allied victories and continue to shape modern naval strategy. By juxtaposing historic wartime boats with contemporary stealth technology, the programme shows the evolution of concealment tactics. It underscores the importance of remaining undetected, whether by evading radar, sonar or visual sighting, and illustrates how that principle has guided ship design across decades. These methods have become integral to modern fleet planning, ensuring ships can slip past increasingly sophisticated detection systems. The focus remains on the vessels themselves—their quiet manoeuvres, hidden capabilities and the missions that kept them out of enemy view. Through archival footage and modern examples, the episode paints a clear picture of how secrecy has been a decisive factor in naval engagements.