International technology group SCHOTT North America, Inc. has introduced assembled protective windows manufactured entirely in the United States, reinforcing its long-standing role as a trusted supplier of precision optics to defence programs. SCHOTT North America, Inc. is the only large-scale melter of optical glass in the western hemisphere and provides a complete vertically integrated supply chain from raw materials to finished solutions in accordance with U.S. military standards.
SCHOTT consolidates melting, precision polishing, advanced coating technologies and mechanical integration within its U.S. operations, eliminating dependence on fragmented, multi-vendor supply chains for critical optical components. SCHOTT’s robotic adhesive dispensing and high precision framing capabilities support adaptable large geometries delivering consistent optical performance at scale. This comes at a pivotal time, as defence organisations increasingly prioritise secure and domestic sources for mission-essential technologies.
Supporting exterior sensor-based systems, the company supplies assembled protective windows utilising manufacturing processes customised to meet requirements of specific customer designs. These windows are a first line of defence for sensitive optical and electro-optical systems, shielding critical components from dust, sand, rocks, humidity, debris and mechanical stress while preserving transmission across harsh operational environments.
Durable anti-reflective coatings enhance scratch resistance and maintain spectral performance after abrasion, sand, salt fog and humidity exposure. Each unit undergoes pressure and quality assurance testing in accordance with military standards to ensure reliability in field deployment. The integrated process supports seamless transition from prototype to production, enabling applications such as periscopes, targeting systems, electro-optical sensors and other defence equipment.
Learn more about the assembled protective windows that will be on display at Booth 1013 at SPIE Defense + Security, April 28 to 30, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. SCHOTT will also host a webinar on May 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EDT (11:00 a.m. PDT), providing additional insight into its integrated assembly and coating capabilities.