Short Introduces Assembled Optical Protective Windows to Strengthen Supply Capabilities in the Defense Optical Sector

2026-06-03 14:40:24

Recently, the international technology company Schott officially launched its modular optical protective windows, further solidifying its position as a core supplier in the field of precision optical products for national defense.

As a leading European manufacturer of optical glass, SCHOTT possesses large-scale continuous glass melting capacity and has established a fully vertically integrated supply chain from raw materials to military-grade finished products. The company integrates capabilities such as glass melting, precision polishing, high-end coating, and mechanical integration, eliminating reliance on multiple suppliers for core optical components. Leveraging high-precision frame processing technology, its products can adapt to large-sized irregular structures while maintaining stable performance in mass production, precisely meeting the current demands of the defense sector for secure supply chains in critical technologies.

The newly developed modular optical protection window can be integrated with surveillance and situational awareness systems such as optical, infrared, and multi-sensor systems, supporting on-demand customized designs. Previously, SCHOTT collaborated with HENSOLDT to jointly develop and certify a high-performance zinc sulfide protection window suitable for modern armored vehicle stabilized periscopic systems.

Reinhard Seiwerth, a relevant official from HENSOLDT, stated that the periscopic observation windows for armored vehicles must balance high transmittance for both visible light and infrared, while also featuring exceptional wear resistance, environmental corrosion resistance, and mechanical impact resistance. The zinc sulfide components delivered by SCHOTT successfully passed all rigorous tests, with stable and reliable hardware interfaces, fully meeting the operational requirements.

Gernot Weber, Head of Defense, Aerospace, and High-End Optics Sales for Schott Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, stated that protective windows are crucial for ensuring stable operation throughout the sensor's lifecycle. Leveraging an integrated supply chain, Schott achieves synergy in materials, coating, and optomechanical integration, delivering products with both performance consistency and long-term stability, enabling seamless transition from sample development to mass production.

According to reports, this series of protective windows serves as a crucial safeguard for photoelectric sensing systems, resisting external damage such as sand, debris, moisture, and mechanical forces. The durable anti-reflective coating enhances surface scratch resistance, ensuring that light transmittance remains unaffected even after prolonged exposure to sand, salt spray, or humid environments. All products undergo pressure testing and quality verification in compliance with military standards, making them widely applicable to various national defense equipment, including periscopes and aiming devices.

With over half a century of expertise in the defense sector, Schott continues to provide specialized glass, precision optical components, and advanced coating solutions for critical mission equipment across land, sea, air, and space domains.