Introduction. The article on the example of Ural Plant No. 217 explores the role of the optical-mechanical industry of the USSR in ensuring the defense capacity of the country and victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945. Results and Discussion. With the beginning of hostilities, the evacuation of most of the optical-mechanical plants and research institutes to the rear began. After the evacuation of Plant No. 217 in 1941 in Sverdlovsk, the organization of optical glass production began with the major reconstruction of the allocated premises, installation of the main equipment. In parallel with installation and commissioning, factory workers had to adapt the premises to the needs of production. The manufactured products were at the level of the world technical thought of that time and were characterized by novelty, originality of designs, and good operational data. Conclusion. Timely measures to evacuate research centers and industry in wartime conditions had a positive impact on the continuous provision of the Army and Navy with optical devices in the necessary nomenclature. The achievements of workers in the optical and mechanical industry were a synthesis of scientific thought and hard work, which made a huge contribution to the common cause of defeating the enemy.
