Exploring Factors Impacting Obsolescence Risk in Aerospace and Defense

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of obsolescence in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry, focusing on factors driving the escalation of costs associated with obsolescence mitigation and management. Through a focus group study with A&D professionals, themes emerged, including the costs of redesigns, last-time buys, and securing supply. Participants emphasized the need for proactive planning, risk mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration to manage obsolescence. These findings highlight the complexity of obsolescence and its financial impact on an organization. The results offer valuable insights into improving obsolescence strategies and set the stage for further research on the topic.