Abstract. This paper reviews experimental research on nanocomposite protective coatings of various chemical compositions and structure. For adaptive multielement and multilayer systems with specific phase composition, structure, substructure, stress state, and high functional properties, formation conditions are considered; the behavior of such systems under extreme operating conditions and in tribological applications is examined; the structural, phase, and chemical composition are discussed as well as the hardness, friction and wear at elevated temperatures; and the adhesive strength of hierarchical protective coatings is analyzed. Finally, the adaptive behavior under different tribological test conditions of multifunctional, multilayer coatings as a function of their properties and structure is examined.