scope:

Introduction

The QA Defence Standards in the O5 series, promulgated for use in United Kingdom defence purchasing in 1973, are identical with the NATO Allied Quality Assurance Publications (AQBPs) used in NATO Mutual Government Quality Assurance during the past 15 years.

NATO began the process of revising the requirements of AQAP-1 in the mid-1970s to take account of experience and with the objective of harmonizing the quality system requirements of Europe and the United States of America. Through the major stages of the revision process the MOD worked closely with the Defence industries Quality Assurance Panel (DIQAP) and Trade Associations to ensure that a coordinated United Kingdom view on proposed changes was represented to NATO and to ensure that United Kingdom contractors would not be at a disadvantage, The revised AQBP-1 was finalised in 1981. The review of the guidance AQAP-2 followed and the opportunity was taken to address residual matters of interpretation which concerned the United Kingdom. Both AQAPs were published in English and French with effect from May 1984.