SMT Corp Addresses Counterfeit Risk At ADS Workshop
Counterfeit Awareness & Trusted Supply Chains Workshop brought aerospace and defence professionals together at BSI in Milton Keynes.
SMT Corp joined aerospace and defence professionals at the Counterfeit Awareness & Trusted Supply Chains Workshop, held at BSI’s Milton Keynes headquarters on 24 September 2026. The event focused on counterfeit risks across supply chains, supplier oversight and the needs of businesses entering the sector. SMT Corp contributed presentations from President Mike Schwarm, Vice President of Business Development and Marketing Mark Broadhead, and Vice President of Technology Dr Nicholas Williams. The programme also examined supply chain assurance, component authentication and testing, and real-world counterfeit cases.
Supply Chain Controls
The workshop considered how counterfeit avoidance requirements can become harder to manage as components pass through multiple supplier tiers. Clear contractual requirements, supplier oversight and supporting evidence can help organisations retain visibility beyond their immediate suppliers.
SMT Corp’s workshop recap identified three challenges central to UK defence supply chain security, including maintaining controls across supplier networks and communicating requirements with sub-tier suppliers.
Defence Requirements
UK Defence Standard 05-135, also known as DEF STAN 05-135, outlines arrangements for managing counterfeit materiel risk. Its application depends on relevant procurement and contractual requirements, placing emphasis on clear communication throughout the supply chain.
The discussions also addressed the practical considerations for SMEs and companies entering aerospace and defence from other sectors, including traceability, counterfeit avoidance and supplier assurance.
Technical Knowledge Sharing
Dr Williams discussed component testing and the importance of agreeing suitable verification methods with customers. The workshop concluded that mitigating counterfeit risk requires organisations to apply appropriate controls across their supply chains and communicate requirements clearly.
SMT Corp said it will continue sharing technical knowledge to strengthen understanding of counterfeit mitigation across the European aerospace and defence community.
