Following the Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event in November 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has invested in another Dutch business, Arceon.
GA-ASI selected Arceon following a pitch they made during the BMN event and after detailed business and technology discussions with GA-ASI and GA’s affiliates, General Atomics Energy and General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems. Arceon joins Emergent Swarm Solutions and Saluqi Motors as companies receiving investment from GA-ASI following the BMN event.
Arceon is developing high-performance ceramic composites using an innovative, scalable, and cost-effective melt infiltration process. Its Carbeon carbon-ceramic components, designed for applications such as nozzles, nozzle extensions, leading edges, nose caps, and airframes, are tailored to meet the growing demands of the space and defense sectors.
At the BMN conference in the Netherlands, GA-ASI and its partners heard pitches from Dutch technology companies showcasing key innovations. The event was organized collaboratively by GA-ASI, the Dutch Ministry of Defense, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Brainport Development in Eindhoven, and the Brabant Development Agency (BOM). GA-ASI is currently delivering eight MQ-9A aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).
Brad Lunn, Managing Director for GA-ASI, stated, “We’re excited to be working with Arceon. Their technology could have a broad range of applications for GA, from high-temperature engine exhaust materials to hypersonics and fusion containment.”
Rahul Shirke, founder and CEO of Arceon B.V., added, “We are honored to collaborate with General Atomics in advancing hypersonic development. This milestone marks our official entry into the U.S. defense sector, presenting an extraordinary opportunity to demonstrate our technology on a global stage. We look forward, with great anticipation, to the journey ahead.”
GA-ASI continues to work closely with the Dutch government and industry to support technological innovation in the Netherlands and anticipates holding its second BMN event in Eindhoven later this year. The company hosted its first Blue Magic event in 2019 in Belgium, with subsequent editions held in 2020, 2021, and 2023.
