Modelling the NATO framework
Introduction
The aim of the NATO Architectural Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) is to create a standard for the development and description of architectures for military and business purposes. The framework is designed in such a way that it can be extended by NATO member states and partners according to their own requirements. Germany and Switzerland, for example, use this option to create their own views, e.g. requirements views, in their projects.
Christian Freihoff, system architect at the German Armed Forces, and Beat Lang from the Swiss Armed Forces are working intensively on NAFv4 at NATO level and are responsible for the national extensions:
“The framework version 4, which was published in January 2018, now contains its own methodology for the development of architectures and the implementation of architecture-related projects. The layout of the views and the document itself are clearer and easier to understand, which has significantly improved usability. Germany and Switzerland use Enterprise Architect as a standard modelling tool, but it is also widely used in other NATO countries and partners as well as in industry.”
The goal of the NATO Architecture Framework Version 4
Introduction
Methodology
Points of view
Meta Models
Methodology
Terms and concept for architectural work.
A basis for architectural activities
Principles of architecture
Architecture activities at company and project level
Architecture repositories and libraries that enable reuse and improved interoperability
Viewpoints (grid representation)
NAFv4 Chapter 3 defines viewpoints, views and architectural descriptions. It describes a two-dimensional classification scheme for the standardised architectural viewpoints that serves as the basis for any NAF-compliant architectural work.
To assist architects, these viewpoints are organised in a logical and consistent manner and presented as a ‘grid’. This ‘grid’ structure represents the various ‘issues of concern’ (rows) and ‘aspects of concern’ (columns), as shown here:
The NAFv4 MDGs are officially developed by the German and Swiss Armed Forces, BWI and CONET.
Use the download button to get access to the MDG extensions for Enterprise Architect, example, documentation and presentation slides. Please note that EA 15.1 or higher is required.
NAFv4 ADMBw with Enterprise Architect
In this training course, you will learn how to apply NAFv4 in the national implementation at ADMBw using the Enterprise Architect tool in order to be able to create and edit project-related architectures.
