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NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4)

Self-Assess
NATO bodies and NATO Nations; used by allied and partner defence organisations
vVersion 4.1, March 2026 (document version 2026.03)
8 domains
95 controls

The NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4, current release v4.1, March 2026) is NATO's standard for developing and describing enterprise and system architectures: a methodology of architecting stages aligned with ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010 and ISO 42020, a grid of viewpoints (concepts, service, logical, physical resource, architecture foundation and architecture meta-data) and a meta-model, used by NATO bodies and Nations and the basis of the Unified Architecture Framework.

Verified

NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) is a compliance framework from NATO bodies and NATO Nations; used by allied and partner defence organisations with 8 domains and 95 controls. The largest domains are Methodology: architecting stages, activities, dynamics and multi-level architecting (chapter 2) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) (45 controls), Logical specification viewpoints (L1 to L8) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) (9 controls), Architecture foundation viewpoints (A1 to A8) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) (8 controls). Every control below carries what it requires and what an assessor expects to see.

Maintained by Gerard Blokdyk

Framework summaries on this platform are interpretations grounded in the published source, for educational and compliance planning purposes. They do not reproduce or replace the official standards. Refer to the authoritative source for the definitive text. Framework names and trademarks belong to their respective organisations.

Framework Domains (8)

Architecture foundation viewpoints (A1 to A8) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4)

8 controls
Controls in the Architecture foundation viewpoints (A1 to A8) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) domain of NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4): 8 controls
CodeTitle
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-A1A1 metadata definitions view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-A2A2 view of architecture products
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-A3A3 architecture correspondence view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-A4A4 architecture methodology view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-A5A5 view of architecture status
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-A6A6 view of architecture versions
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-A7A7 architecture metadata and measures view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-A8A8 architecture standards view

Architecture meta-data viewpoints (Ar, Pr, Cr, Sr, Lr rows) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4)

5 controls
Controls in the Architecture meta-data viewpoints (Ar, Pr, Cr, Sr, Lr rows) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) domain of NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4): 5 controls
CodeTitle
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-ArAr architecture roadmap view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-CrCr capability roadmap view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-LrLr view of the logical roadmap
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-PrPr view of the resource roadmap
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-SrSr view of the service roadmap

Concepts viewpoints (C1 to C8) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4)

7 controls
Controls in the Concepts viewpoints (C1 to C8) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) domain of NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4): 7 controls
CodeTitle
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-C1C1 capability taxonomy view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-C2C2 enterprise vision view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-C3C3 capability dependencies view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-C4C4 standard processes view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-C5C5 view of capability effects
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-C7C7 performance criteria view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-C8C8 planning constraints view

Logical specification viewpoints (L1 to L8) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4)

9 controls
Controls in the Logical specification viewpoints (L1 to L8) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) domain of NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4): 9 controls
CodeTitle
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-L1L1 logical taxonomy view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-L2L2 view of logical structure
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-L2-L3L2-L3 logical concept view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-L3L3 logical interactions view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-L4L4 logical activities view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-L5L5 logical states view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-L6L6 logical sequence view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-L7L7 view of the information model
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-L8L8 logical constraints view

Methodology: architecting stages, activities, dynamics and multi-level architecting (chapter 2) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4)

45 controls
Controls in the Methodology: architecting stages, activities, dynamics and multi-level architecting (chapter 2) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) domain of NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4): 45 controls
CodeTitle
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.10Producing the architecture description
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.11Evaluating the architecture
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.12Enabling capabilities, services and resources
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.13The architecture's own life cycle and fitness for purpose
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.14.2Nested enterprise architecture scope
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.16.1Enterprise landscape coverage
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.17.1Project architecture landscape structure
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.18.1Data exchange between architecture landscapes
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.19.1Reference library consistency checks
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.2What the architecting effort covers across the life cycle
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.20.1Architecture repository baselines
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.21.1Purpose of architecture motivation data
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.22.1Architecture policy content and ownership
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.23.1Architecture management plan content
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.24.1Migration plan content
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.25.1Evaluation report content
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.26.1Main architecture document baseline
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.27.1Dashboard monitoring purpose
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.3Stakeholder concerns, views and viewpoints
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.7Five architecture processes and their interplay
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.8Architecture governance and design authority
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-2.9Architecture management along the life cycle
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-3.1.1Manage motivation data and dashboard stage
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-3.2.4Guidance for assessment and trade-offs
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-3.2.5Describing alternatives and tracing them
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-3.2.6Criteria for judging alternatives
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-3.2.8Iterative stages and prerequisites
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-3.3.3Governance approval of weightings
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-3.3.4Patterns of architecting iteration
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-3.3.5Use and update motivation data
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-3.3.6Tailor architecture dynamics
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-3.4.2Market and customer triggers
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-3.4.3Updating the landscape in both directions
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-Table-2.10Decide on enterprise architecture change requests
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-Table-2.11Enterprise motivation data and architecture dashboard
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-Table-2.12Establish the project architecture landscape and capability
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-Table-2.13Establish the project architecture vision
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-Table-2.14Describe alternatives of project architectures
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-Table-2.15Evaluate architecture alternatives and propose trade-offs
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-Table-2.16Project migration plan and implementation roadmap
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-Table-2.17Project conformance reviews and governance contract
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-Table-2.18Controlled project architecture change management
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-Table-2.19Project motivation data, dashboard and decision rationale
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-Table-2.8Enterprise transformation roadmap and migration plan
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-Table-2.9Enterprise governance of architecture application

NATO policy on architecture and the Meta-model (chapter 4) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4)

5 controls
Controls in the NATO policy on architecture and the Meta-model (chapter 4) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) domain of NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4): 5 controls
CodeTitle
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-4.1.2Enterprise architecture systemic analysis
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-4.1.3Delivery architectures for programmes and projects
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-4.1.4Direction for delivery work
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-4.1.5Architecture as governance input
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-4.3Setting up the enterprise architecture landscape

Physical resource specification viewpoints (P1 to P8) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4)

8 controls
Controls in the Physical resource specification viewpoints (P1 to P8) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) domain of NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4): 8 controls
CodeTitle
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-P1P1 view of the resource taxonomy
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-P2P2 view of resource structure
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-P3P3 resource interactions view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-P4P4 view of resource functions
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-P5P5 view of resource states
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-P6P6 view of resource sequences
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-P7P7 view of the data model
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-P8P8 resource constraints view

Service specification viewpoints (S1 to S8) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4)

8 controls
Controls in the Service specification viewpoints (S1 to S8) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) domain of NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4): 8 controls
CodeTitle
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-S1S1 service taxonomy view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-S2S2 view of service structure
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-S3S3 service interfaces view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-S4S4 view of service functions
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-S5S5 service states view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-S6S6 service sequence view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-S7S7 service interface parameters view
nato-architecture-framework-version-4-nafv4::NAF-S8S8 service constraints view

What is NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) and who does it apply to?

NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) is a compliance framework from NATO bodies and NATO Nations; used by allied and partner defence organisations with 8 domains and 95 controls. The NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4, current release v4.1, March 2026) is NATO's standard for developing and describing enterprise and system architectures: a methodology of architecting stages aligned with ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010 and ISO 42020, a grid of viewpoints (concepts, service, logical, physical resource, architecture foundation and architecture meta-data) and a meta-model, used by NATO bodies and Nations and the basis of the Unified Architecture Framework. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

What does NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) actually require?

NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) has 95 controls organised across 8 domains. The largest domains are Methodology: architecting stages, activities, dynamics and multi-level architecting (chapter 2) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) (45 controls), Logical specification viewpoints (L1 to L8) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) (9 controls), Architecture foundation viewpoints (A1 to A8) – NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) (8 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.

If I already comply with another framework, how much of NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) do I already cover?

NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) does not currently have cross-framework mappings in our system. Check back as we continuously expand our mapping database.

How do I implement NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4)?

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