A Systems Dynamic Approach in Aerospace and Defense Systems

System Dynamics (SD) is a powerful tool for analyzing and mitigating the cascading effects of complex interactions in systems. This paper explores the application of SD in managing risks associated with delays in component delivery within military aircraft development projects within the aerospace and defense realm. By leveraging insights from causal loop diagrams and stock-and-flow models, the study highlights the critical feedback loops and delays that exacerbate project disruptions. The results demonstrate key intervention points for mitigating cascading failures, reducing risks, and optimizing system performance. Real-world examples, including the Boeing 787 supply chain issues and the Joint Strike Fighter program delays, are used to illustrate the importance of addressing these challenges. These findings show the importance of risk management strategies and supply chain resilience in the aerospace and defense sectors. The study further contributes to the body of knowledge by integrating systems thinking principles into practical applications for managing large-scale, high-stakes projects. In response to reviewer feedback, the paper (i) augments the bibliography with recent, post-2015 sources in systems engineering and project planning, (ii) explicitly maps model assumptions to recognized architecting artifacts and standards (ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010; ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288; INCOSE SE Handbook), (iii) generalizes the causal structure to domain-agnostic system archetypes for transfer to health and crisis management, and (iv) elaborates scenarios with clearer, data-informed parameterization and sensitivity analysis.