STANAGs

STANAG stands for Standardization Agreement, a NATO mechanism designed to standardize military equipment, procedures, and terminology to enable interoperability among allied armed forces. STANAGs cover a wide range of topics, including weapons and ammunition compatibility, communications and data exchange, vehicle protection levels, medical procedures, air operations, and logistics.

Each STANAG is a document identified by a number and title that describes its subject matter. New or revised agreements are developed by NATO committees and published by the NATO Standardization Office. Nations that are members of NATO or allied partners may adopt, implement, or adapt the provisions within their national militaries. While STANAGs are not treaties and do not automatically bind a state under international law, member states typically commit to align their procedures and equipment with the standards in practice, especially for NATO or multinational coalition operations.

The scope and status of STANAGs vary. Some provide guidelines to facilitate interoperability, while others impose specific requirements for participation in particular missions or procurements. Compliance is encouraged, with revisions issued to reflect technological advances and operational lessons. The number of a STANAG generally remains constant while its edition may be updated over time to reflect current capabilities and needs. A well-known example is STANAG 4569, which defines protection levels for occupants of light and armored vehicles and is widely used in evaluating vehicle survivability.

See also: NATO Standardization Office; Interoperability; Military standardization.