<p>This review synthesizes recent advances in stealth materials and coating strategies designed specifically for naval and offshore platforms operating in corrosive, biofouling-prone, and mechanically abrasive seawater environments. We critically examine radar-absorbing materials (RAMs), infrared thermal management approaches, acoustic damping solutions, and adaptive visual camouflage with explicit emphasis on anti-corrosion performance, biofouling resistance, and tribo-corrosion resilience—key considerations often overlooked in conventional stealth reviews. Comparative analyses highlight trade-offs among high-performance absorbers (e.g., MXenes, graphene composites) and magnetic fillers (e.g., ferrites, carbonyl iron), focusing on seawater stability, encapsulation strategies, and manufacturability at scale. The review proposes standardized combined-stress testing protocols (salt spray + abrasion + biofouling + thermal cycling) to better predict in-service durability and outlines multifunctional coating architectures that integrate electromagnetic/thermal absorption with corrosion barriers and fouling-release surfaces. Key research priorities identified include robust encapsulation of sensitive nanomaterials, self-healing sacrificial layers, biofouling-tolerant metamaterials, and life-cycle assessments for environmentally compliant antifouling chemistries. Practical recommendations guide materials scientists and marine engineers toward scalable, long-lived marine stealth solutions that balance operational effectiveness with environmental sustainability.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>