Why are fighter jets painted grey? concept discovered during World War 1

Fighter jets are a vital part of any nation’s defence system, and India’s air power relies heavily on aircraft like Sukhoi, Mirage, Rafale, Tejas, and MiG. Whether in photographs or at air shows, most people have seen these jets at some point. Interestingly, one feature is common to almost all fighter jets across the world — their colour. Nearly 90 percent of them are painted grey, and there are practical reasons behind this choice.

The grey shade, which closely resembles the colour of clouds, helps the jets remain less visible in the sky. This camouflage technique dates back to World War I and continues to be effective even today, making detection from the ground or other aircraft more difficult.

Additionally, certain grey paints are engineered to reduce a jet’s radar signature, helping it avoid enemy detection. These specialised coatings absorb radar waves and lower the aircraft’s radar cross-section, enhancing stealth capabilities.

Grey is also highly adaptable to various environments. Jets operating over oceans often use bluish-grey tones, while those flying at higher altitudes are usually painted in lighter shades of grey for better concealment.