PR Newswire
Department of War to Eliminate Reliance on Optical Systems from Certain Foreign Nations, Positioning LightPath as a Supplier of Choice for Mission-Critical Defense Applications
ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LightPath Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPTH) (“LightPath,” the “Company,” “we,” or “our”), a leading provider of next-generation optics and imaging systems for both defense and commercial applications, today reinforced its long-standing commitment to secure, domestic defense supply chains following the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which directs the US Department of War to eliminate reliance on optical glass and optical systems sourced from certain foreign nations by January 1, 2030.
Section 834 of H.R. 3838 states that “The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a strategy to eliminate the reliance of the Department of Defense on any covered nation to acquire optical glass or optical systems by January 1, 2030.”
Under the NDAA, “covered nations” include China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Belarus. These restrictions extend beyond finished systems to include critical materials such as optical glass, making supply chain transparency and material provenance increasingly central to defense and aerospace program compliance.
LightPath’s optical assemblies, infrared cameras, and thermal imaging systems have already been designed, manufactured, and delivered in alignment with NDAA requirements. The company’s proprietary BlackDiamond infrared glass technology offers a proven alternative to foreign sources. LightPath’s solutions reduce material risk while supporting high-performance electro-optical and infrared applications across land, sea, air, and space platforms.
LightPath continues to expand its domestic glass manufacturing capabilities to support growing defense and aerospace demand. The company has announced a strategic acquisition of Amorphous Materials, Inc. (AMI), a U.S. based manufacturer of complementary chalcogenide glass technologies. The acquisition adds large-diameter glass melting capability, increases overall production capacity, and introduces a second NDAA compliant manufacturing location. This expansion further strengthens LightPath’s ability to support high-value, large-format optics required for advanced defense and space-based sensor programs.
“While the NDAA now formally calls out optical glass, our approach has always been to design and manufacture systems that defense customers can rely on without question,” said Sam Rubin, President and Chief Executive Officer of LightPath Technologies. “Supply chain security, domestic manufacturing, and long-term program readiness are not new priorities for us. Our cameras, optical assemblies, and thermal imaging solutions have been NDAA compliant for years, and BlackDiamond was developed specifically to address material risk, availability, and performance at scale.”
Unlike some foreign made optics, BlackDiamond infrared glass enables domestic manufacturing, stable supply, and scalable production without dependence on constrained or geopolitically sensitive sources. Combined with expanded domestic chalcogenide glass manufacturing capabilities from Amorphous Materials, Inc., LightPath is positioned as a risk reduction partner for defense programs that must meet compliance requirements early in their design and qualification cycles.
Although the NDAA establishes a 2030 deadline, defense acquisition timelines and system development cycles effectively require action in the immediate term to meet this requirement. Program managers and prime contractors are already evaluating compliant materials and suppliers to avoid redesigns, recertification delays, and future supply disruptions.
LightPath invites early engagement from defense and aerospace programs seeking NDAA-aligned optical materials, assemblies, and complete thermal imaging systems. By partnering early in the design process, customers can ensure compliance, reduce long-term risk, and accelerate time to deployment with solutions that are already proven in active defense programs.
About LightPath Technologies
LightPath Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPTH) is a leading provider of next-generation optics and imaging systems for both defense and commercial applications. As a vertically integrated solutions provider with in-house engineering design support, LightPath’s family of custom solutions range from proprietary BlackDiamond™ chalcogenide-based glass materials – sold under exclusive license from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory – to complete infrared optical systems and thermal imaging assemblies. The Company’s primary manufacturing footprint is located in Orlando, Florida with additional facilities in Texas, New Hampshire, Latvia and China. To learn more, please visit www.lightpath.com.
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SOURCE LightPath Technologies
