4cost at the NATO Life Cycle Management Conference 2026
4cost looks back on a successful participation in the 21st NATO Life Cycle Management Conference. On 20 and 21 January 2026, high-ranking decision-makers and industry experts gathered in Brussels to discuss the central role of life cycle management for modern defence systems. 4cost focused on the technical exchange of information on parametric cost simulation and the presentation of the specialised software solution 4cost-aces/LCC.
Photo: Mittler Report Verlag / picture alliance / Socrates Tassos
The 21st NATO Life Cycle Management Conference focused on the role of life cycle management as a key enabler for translating military investments into actual available and deployable military capabilities. Among other things, discussions centred on how close cooperation between NATO countries, NATO organisations and industry can ensure and increase the operational readiness of defence systems throughout their entire life cycle. The focus was particularly on operational availability, standardisation and interoperability within NATO, as well as digital, data-driven approaches such as digital engineering, digital twins, predictive maintenance and life cycle cost analysis.
The 120 participants at the conference included experts and decision-makers from NATO committees and organisations, particularly from the field of life cycle management, as well as representatives from national defence ministries and procurement, armaments and logistics organisations from NATO countries. Also in attendance were companies from the defence and security industry and technology providers involved in optimising life cycle processes, cost control and digital transformation in the defence environment.
At the exhibition, Joachim Schöffer, Managing Partner of 4cost GmbH, and Udo Biedinger, Senior Advisor Defence, presented 4cost’s unique method for simulating the life cycle costs of defence equipment using the costing software 4cost-aces/LCC.
Photo: Mittler Report Verlag / picture alliance / Socrates Tassos
In addition, Mr Schöffer explained in his presentation ‘LCC and TCO in the early phase’ on stage how important a valid cost forecast is for the long-term success of defence projects, even in the design phase. The subsequent discussions showed that participants were very interested in 4cost’s solutions for life cycle cost simulation.
‘The appearance in Brussels was worthwhile for us in every respect,’ summarises Mr Schöffer. ‘We were able to demonstrate our expertise in the field of LCC and establish valuable contacts within NATO structures.’
4cost will be represented again as an exhibitor at the conference next year in order to further advance the digital transformation in life cycle management.