A novel composite coating containing WS2 in Ni-P matrix was obtained by electroless deposition route. The incorporation of tungsten sulfide particles enhanced the hardness and corrosion resistance of the Ni-P coatings. It was established that the electroless Ni-P-WS2 coatings were able to sustain the low coefficients of friction under severe sliding condition in comparison with the Ni-P coatings. It is evident that the Ni-P-WS2 coatings have the option of being used as solid lubricants to the sliding parts of machineries in aerospace industries. The incorporation of WS2 and the existence of Ni3P in the matrix have been ascertained by XRD, SEM and AFM. © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.