High velocity air fuel (HVAF) spraying is an emergent thermal spray process, which is used in this work to realize high-performance large area tribological coatings of nickel-phosphorus cladded cubic-boron nitride (c-BN) particles. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that HVAF has been utilized for developing Ni–P coatings reinforced with c-BN (NBN). The importance of appropriate processing was highlighted by utilizing two different nozzle configurations, for which microstructure, phase analysis and hardness results demonstrates considerable differences. Furthermore, the coatings were subjected to sliding wear tests to assess their friction and wear characteristics. Post-wear SEM analysis reveals the associated wear mechanisms. Effect of annealing on tribological performance of NBN coatings was also examined, and it is shown that optimal processing can preclude the need for post-treatment. Results ensuing from this work lay the foundation for new generation of HVAF-sprayed wear resistant metal/c-BN composite coatings for diverse applications. © 2022 The Author(s)