In aeronautics and the space industry, ceramics are ubiquitous, in composite materials for structural parts intended to function at high temperatures. For these specific applications, ceramics are reinforced by silicium carbide or carbon fibres that yield composite or ceramic matrix or CMC. These materials have refractory properties that enable them to be used at very high temperatures with no risk of embrittlement. Ceramics can be used in aggressive atmospheres or under conditions of serious erosion due to abrasive particles.

Space structures such as heat shields, leading edges or the nose of rockets regularly utilize ceramic materials.

The military industry is also a major consumer of ceramic material. Whether to make ceramic fairings used to protect missile heads (alumina or silica), or for making armour for military land vehicles.

Other materials, like magnesium fluoride or zinc sulphide, known for their transparency to infrareds, are also used for special applications.