$ZrB_2$ has a melting temperature of $3245^{circ}C$ and a low density of $6.1;g/cm^3$, which makes this a candidate for application to ultra-high temperature over $2000^{circ}C$. Beside these properties, $ZrB_2$ has excellent resistance to thermal shock and oxidation compared with other non-oxide engineering ceramics. This paper reviewed briefly 2 research examples, which are related to densification and properties of $ZrB_2$-based ceramics for ultra-high temperature applications. In the first section, the effect of $B_4C$ addition on the densification and properties of $ZrB_2$-based ceramics is shown. $ZrB_2$-20 vol.% SiC system was selected as a basic composition and $B_4C$ or C was added to this system in some extents. With sintered bodies, densification behavior and hightemperature (up to $1400^{circ}C$) properties such as bending strength and hardness are examined. In the second section, the effect of the SiC size on the microstructures and physical properties is shown. $ZrB_2$-SiC ceramics are fabricated by using various SiC sources in order to investigate the grain-growth inhibition and the mechanical/thermal properties of $ZrB_2$-SiC.