AQAP helps organisations in the defence supply chain to ensure quality, reliability and compliance with defence standards. Symbol helps organisations to implement AQAP practically and successfully within the defence supply chain.
Organisations in the defence sector implement AQAP to meet the stringent quality and reliability requirements of defence contracts. The standard helps companies to control processes, minimise risks and guarantee full traceability. This enables organisations to demonstrably comply with international defence standards and deliver reliable products and services within complex and critical projects.
Symbol supports organisations in implementing AQAP with a pragmatic and structured approach. From the analysis of existing processes to setting up documentation and preparing for audits, Symbol guides organisations step by step. This results in a practical quality management system that meets defence requirements and works effectively in daily practice.
Together with management, the organisation determines the scope, objectives and relevant defence contracts. A project team is assembled and existing processes, documentation and applicable AQAP standards are inventoried as the basis for a structured implementation within the defence supply chain.
Current processes and documentation are compared with AQAP requirements and the contractual obligations of the defence client. Gaps, risks and areas for improvement are identified and translated into an implementation plan with clear priorities, resources and scheduling.
The quality management system is set up or adapted to comply with AQAP requirements. Roles, responsibilities, processes and documentation are established so that the system aligns with defence standards and functions effectively within projects and the organisation.
Configuration management and document control are set up to manage changes in products, components and documentation. This ensures it remains clear which configurations have been approved, produced and delivered, which is essential for control and compliance within defence projects.
Risks within design, production and delivery are systematically identified, assessed and controlled. Quality assurance is established so that products and services meet defence standards and function reliably in critical and complex operational environments.
Suppliers are assessed, selected and monitored for compliance with defence requirements. Contractual quality requirements are flowed down into the supply chain and monitored via audits and collaboration to ensure quality, traceability and reliability throughout the chain.
Processes for product identification, inspections, testing and customer acceptance are established. Traceability of materials, components and documentation is secured, and collaboration with the client ensures formal verification and acceptance of products and processes.
Following project execution, performance is evaluated and lessons learned are systematically recorded. These insights are used to further improve processes, collaboration and quality assurance, ensuring that future defence projects are executed more efficiently, reliably and with better control.
Defence contracts require a quality system that holds up under pressure. Symbol guides you from contract analysis to a successful AQAP audit, step by step and fully tailored to your defence contract.
AQAP (Allied Quality Assurance Publications) are NATO quality standards for organisations supplying to defence. They are intended for companies participating in defence projects and help to ensure quality, reliability and compliance with contractual requirements.
AQAP is based on ISO 9001 but contains additional requirements specifically for defence projects. These include stricter requirements for traceability, configuration management, risk management and contractual quality assurance under the supervision of the client.
The required AQAP standard depends on the type of contract and activities.
A GQAR (Government Quality Assurance Representative) represents the government or defence organisation and oversees the quality of products and processes. The GQAR can perform audits, conduct inspections and provide approval prior to delivery.
Within AQAP, quality requirements are established in contracts. Organisations must demonstrate that they meet these requirements. The external audit is performed by an accredited body.
