Hindsight to Foresight: Mitigating tomorrow’s obsolescence


Proactive risk mitigation in defence systems


By Luke Fitzpatrick, Director, Sales Aerospace & Defence EMEA at Rochester Electronics


1. Embrace proactive risk mitigation Too oſt en, obsolescence is treated as a problem to be solved only when a component is offi cially declared EOL – a critical mistake. A proactive approach involves continuous monitoring of the health of your bill of materials (BOM). T is means leveraging market intelligence and predictive analytics to identify at-risk components long before an EOL notice is issued. By understanding market trends, supplier roadmaps and lifecycle data, you can anticipate potential disruptions and make informed decisions early. T is foresight enables strategic last-time buys, the qualifi cation of alternative components, or engaging with a licensed manufacturer to ensure a continued supply, thereby transforming a potential crisis into a manageable event.


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n the aerospace and defence sectors, the operational life of platforms and systems is measured in decades. From fi ghter jets to satellite communication systems, these assets are designed for longevity and reliability in theatre. However,


the electronic components that form their very core operate on a much faster – oſt en unforgiving – lifecycle. T is fundamental mismatch creates a continuous and ever-changing challenge: component obsolescence. We’ve witnessed fi rsthand, through customer collaboration,


the disruptive impact of obsolescence. A critical semiconductor that suddenly becomes unavailable can halt an entire production line, delay a crucial program, or trigger a costly and time- consuming redesign. T ese are not mere supply chain hiccups; they are signifi cant threats to operational readiness and, consequently, national security. I believe that the lessons learned from these end-of-life (EOL) encounters are clear and that a reactive approach is no longer suffi cient. As I oſt en say to our partners, you can’t make obsolescence obsolete, but with the right partners, you can be best prepared. Yes, the landscape is challenging. Semiconductor


manufacturers are driven by the rapid pace of technological advancement, leading to shorter product lifecycles. T is commercial reality stands in stark contrast to the long-term sustainment needs of the aerospace and defence sectors, so we must adopt a collaborative approach to mitigate future risk more eff ectively. When something hurts, we don’t like to look back at it; that’s


human nature. However, with obsolescence, we must learn from past experiences and use our knowledge to gain a strategic advantage.


38 November 2025 www.electronicsworld.co.uk


2. Design with obsolescence in mind T e battle against obsolescence begins on the drawing board. Designing for sustainability is as critical as designing for performance. T is involves selecting components with longer anticipated lifecycles and avoiding single-source suppliers wherever possible. Furthermore, it means architecting systems with modularity that allows for easier technology insertion and upgrades. By considering the entire lifecycle of the system at the design stage, engineers can build in resilience to future component unavailability. T is forward-thinking approach can signifi cantly reduce the cost and complexity of future modifi cations, ensuring that systems can be supported for decades to come.


3. Choose the right supplier partners Your suppliers are your fi rst line of defence against obsolescence, and today is the day to start rationalising your supply chain. It is imperative to move beyond a purely transactional relationship and build strategic partnerships with suppliers who understand the unique demands of EOL in the aerospace and defence sectors. Seek value and knowledge; your partners should be more than just distributors. Ensuring that chosen partners are 100% authorised by the original component manufacturer will help eliminate the risk of counterfeit parts entering your supply chain. T e challenge of obsolescence is not going away. If anything, the


pace of change is accelerating. By learning from past encounters and implementing a strategy that encompasses proactive risk mitigation, designing for the future and forging strong supplier partnerships, the aerospace and defence industry can confi dently navigate the complexities of component lifecycles and ensure our critical systems remain mission-ready for years to come. www.rocelec.com


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