NATO R&M standards; blueprint for success

NATO has produced reliability and maintainability standards which member countries have agreed to ratify, adopt, and implement under a standardization agreement, STANAG 4174. The authors describe the NATO, European, and UK standards for R&M and the agencies involved in their production. The importance of these standards in defense equipment programs in the European Community is highlighted, and it is noted that they provide a common basis for greater co-operation in collaborative projects. The use of these standards ensures a common high level of proficiency in R&M programs, and their greater application will enhance the performance of NATO's military equipment.<>