Precision Optical Coatings for Defense, Surveillance & Ruggedized Systems

North American Coating Laboratories’ Tactical Division delivers mission-ready optical coatings engineered for the demands of defense, military, law enforcement, aerospace, and ruggedized commercial systems. From long-range imaging to laser-based targeting, our coatings are built to perform where failure is not an option.

With 50+ years of experience in precision optical coatings and a proven record supporting defense primes, integrators, and advanced optics manufacturers, NACL Tactical pairs high-reliability coatings with white-glove engineering support designed to keep critical programs on schedule.

Mission-Focused Optical Coating Capabilities

Advanced Infrared Coatings (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR)

Engineered for ISR, autonomous targeting, night vision, thermal imaging, and weapon-mounted optics.

  • High durability, high transmission
  • Optimized for IR-grade glass, silicon, germanium, and chalcogenides
  • Custom spectral performance for specific wavelength bands
Ruggedized Anti-Reflective Coatings

For fielded optics exposed to harsh environments, recoil, dust, moisture, and extreme temperature swings.

  • MIL-STD durability
  • Low-reflectance performance
  • High adhesion to glass, polymers, and IR substrates
DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) Coatings

Protective front-surface coatings for mission-critical lenses and windows.

  • Exceptional hardness and abrasion resistance
  • Ideal for battlefield, tactical, and outdoor systems
  • Available for large and small optics
Filter Coatings for Tactical Systems

Custom optical filters for sensing systems, and high-accuracy imaging.

  • Narrowband, longpass, shortpass, notch, and combination filters
  • Precision control of spectral response
  • Designed for environmental and operational reliability
Plastic Optics Coating Expertise

Lightweight, impact-resistant optics are essential for modern battlefield integration.
NACL is a leader in coating acrylic, polycarbonate, Zeonex, and other polymers.

Applications We Support

NACL Tactical coatings are engineered for high-performance missions across the optical spectrum:

  • Thermal imaging scopes
  • Weapon-mounted optics
  • Ruggedized cameras and sensors
  • Autonomous and manned defense systems
  • ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance)
  • Border and perimeter security
  • UAV/UGV sensor payloads
  • Helmet-mounted displays and modules
  • Laser range finding and targeting systems

If it demands clarity, accuracy, and durability in extreme environments NACL Tactical delivers.

Advancing Toward CMMC Level 2 Compliance

Defense customers need partners who protect sensitive information with the same rigor they apply to mission execution. NACL Tactical is actively working toward CMMC Level 2 compliance, strengthening the cybersecurity posture behind every program we support.

Our commitment includes:

  • Implementation of NIST SP 800-171 controls
  • Hardened cybersecurity for CUI handling
  • Enhanced access controls and network security
  • Defense-focused data protection and traceability
  • Continuous improvement and readiness for formal CMMC assessment

This investment ensures that our defense partners can trust not only our coating performance, but also the secure environment behind it.

What Sets NACL Tactical Apart?

High-Touch Engineering Support

NACL Tactical is built around rapid communication, clear technical guidance, and direct access to engineers who understand defense program pressures.

Proven Defense Experience

Decades supporting primes and classified programs gives our team deep insight into the performance, documentation, and consistency required for mission success.

Speed + Precision

Our Tactical Division is structured for accelerated quoting, streamlined coating development, and priority scheduling for urgent program timelines.

Certified Quality

Backed by NACL’s ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System with defense-grade documentation, repeatability, and traceability.

AR/VR display headset for military soldier use
Why Defense Partners Choose NACL Tactical
  • Rugged coatings built for harsh environmental exposure
  • Proven performance for thermal, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR systems
  • Capability to coat complex geometries and challenging substrates
  • Reliable communication and program support
  • Ability to handle prototype development and production runs
  • U.S.-based engineering, manufacturing, and inspection

Let’s Equip Your Optics for the Mission

The right optical coating can define the success of the entire system.
Our Tactical Division is ready to support your program from concept to field deployment.

📩 Contact NACL Tactical: sales@nacl.com

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