In NATO, a standardization agreement (STANAG, redundantly: STANAG agreement) defines processes, procedures, terms, and conditions for common military or technical procedures or equipment between the member countries of the alliance.
Each NATO state ratifies a STANAG and implements it within its own military.
STANAGs also form the basis for technical interoperability between a wide variety of communication and information systems (CIS) essential for NATO and Allied operations.
[1] The Allied Data Publication 34 (ADatP-34) NATO Interoperability Standards and Profiles which is covered by STANAG 5524, maintains a catalogue of relevant information and communication technology standards.
Among the hundreds of standardization agreements (the total as of April 2007[update] was just short of 1,300) are those for calibres of small arms ammunition, map markings, communications procedures, and classification of bridges.