Group : Radar Systems
Status : Active
Also Known As : 55Zh6ME
Origin : Russia
Contractors : Almaz-Antey Concern, NNIIRT
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : February 2015
Total Production : 101

The Nebo-M integrated multifunctional radar system comprises four radar systems called RLM-S, RLM-D, RLM-M and KU-RLK. The system has been designed to provide unmatched detection range within the Nebo radar family as well as unprecedented detection capability against any existing or projected airborne target such as hypersonic missiles, ballistic missiles, stealth aircraft and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). The Nebo-M maximum detection range may exceed 600 kilometers against airborne targets. The Russian Ministry of Defense approach to the Nebo-M is to enhance the air defense capabilities of existing S-300 and S-400 missile systems. The Nebo-M represents a new benchmark in ground-based air surveillance radars with no similar system developed across the world known so far. The uniqueness of Nebo-M is the combination of multiple radars operating in different bands.

The Russian Aerospace Defense Force took delivery of the first six Nebo-M radar systems in 2014 and began its deployment in early 2015. The Russian Ministry of Defense plans released in 2011 were calling for the procurement of 100 such radar systems beginning in the mid-2010s. The 55Zh6M Nebo-M multifunctional, long-range, mobile, air surveillance radar system was developed by the Nizhny Novgorod Research Institute of Radio Engineering (NNIIRT) for the Russian strategic aerospace defense forces. It is capable of detection aerial and ballistic targets at ranges of 1,800 kilometers and altitudes of up to 1,200 kilometers. NNIIRT revealed the existence of the 55Zh6M radar in October 2011 anticipating Russian Armed Forces orders in the near future to counter the US Air Force F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters.