Abstract: The wake characteristics of underwater vehicles during navigation are influenced by factors such as the intensity of ocean stratification, free surface effects, and unsteady motion, making them easy to detect and posing a challenge to their stealth. This paper systematically reviews the latest progress in the research of underwater vehicle wakes, analyzing from three aspects: theoretical modeling, experimental research, and numerical simulation. It focuses on discussing the wake generation mechanism, evolution laws, and key influencing factors in stratified flows, pointing out the deficiencies of existing models in describing complex stratified structures, nonlinear effects, and turbulent dissipation. It also proposes that in the future, high-precision coupled models, multi-physical field experimental databases, and intelligent wake control algorithms need to be developed. Meanwhile, this paper also explores the current research status and future development directions of wake detection and suppression technologies, aiming to provide references for optimizing the design of underwater vehicles, enhancing their stealth, and developing efficient detection technologies.