scope:

Purpose

This publication contains background information, interpretation guidance and application guidance on AQAP-160 Edition I 'NATO integrated quality requirements for software throughout the life cycle'.

As a background for AQAP-160 Edition 1, it is important to stress NATO's policy to adopt International Standards wherever possible. The basis for AQAP-160 Edition 1 is ISO/IEC 12207 and ISO 9001. This guide intends to explain the full context of the adoption of International Standards in AQAP-160 Edition 1.

The interpretation guidance explains the AQAP-160 Edition 1 model and the concept behind the standard. For guidance on the adopted International Standards please refer to the guides, ISO has published for them: ISO/lEC 15271 for ISO/IEC 12207 and ISO 9000-3 for ISO 9001.

The application guidance primarily focuses on the implementation of the tailoring of AQAP-I60 Edition 1. The application guidance tries to contribute to the visibility of the tailoring process, but it is not intended to be exhaustive.

This publication is not a contractual document. Its content has no legal or contractual status, nor does it supersede, add to or cancel any of the AQAP-160 Edition 1 requirements. However, some implementation issues (e.g. tailoring methodologies) can be made contractual on a case-by-case basis.