The Indian Air Force has strengthened its long-range surveillance capability with the induction of the Russian-origin 55Zh6ME Nebo-UM Very High Frequency (VHF) radar. Designed to detect stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and other aerial threats, the radar significantly improves India’s layered air defence architecture. Operating in the VHF spectrum, the system is capable of identifying low-observable aircraft at extended ranges by exploiting longer radio wavelengths that are more effective against stealth technology than conventional fire-control radars. The fully mobile 3D radar delivers target range, altitude, and azimuth simultaneously while integrating seamlessly with long-range missile defence systems. Equipped with modern digital signal processing and advanced electronic counter-countermeasure capabilities, the Nebo-UM strengthens early warning, improves battlefield awareness, and enhances India’s preparedness against increasingly sophisticated aerial threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
