The development of novel superhard nanocomposite, nano-layered coatings and of the coating technology based on vacuum arc evaporation from rotating electrodes is summarized. The nc-(Al1-xTix)Nla-Si3N4 coatings in which the nanocrystals of the Al-rich solid solution with the fcc crystal structure of TiN are imbedded into a thin matrix of amorphous silicon nitride show high thermal stability, oxidation resistance and excellent performance in dry, fast machining that is superior to the state-of-the-art (Ti1-xAlx)N coatings.