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GA-ASI Confirms Dutch SecDef & NATO DIANA Counsel as Keynotes for BMNL 2025

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems' Blue Magic Netherlands 2025 will bring together defence leaders and innovators, featuring keynotes from Dutch Minister Gijs Tuinman and NATO DIANA General Counsel Thomas McSorley By Olivia Hannam / 11 Nov 2025
GA-ASI Confirms Dutch SecDef & NATO DIANA Counsel as Keynotes for BMNL 2025
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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), lead organizer of the Blue Magic Netherlands (BMNL) 2025, has confirmed that two top Dutch and European defence figures will keynote the November 18 Eindhoven event.

The keynotes will be delivered by Gijs Tuinman, Dutch Minister for Arms Procurement and Personnel, and Thomas McSorley, General Counsel at NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).

This will be Mr. Tuinman’s first appearance at BMNL and Mr. McSorley’s second. In addition, Paul Malcontent from VDL Defentec and Hugo Leyte from ODIN have accepted invitations to speak at BMNL.

Brad Lunn, Managing Director at GA-ASI, commented, “Our Blue Magic events have become known for connecting businesses and technology with investors. We also want our events to deliver important industry information and insights from key European defence leaders, so we’re thrilled to have Gijs Tuinman and Tom McSorley speak at this year’s event.”

BMNL fosters technology ideation and implementation within the Dutch industrial ecosystem. Netherlands-based technology and aerospace companies will pitch their innovative, next-gen solutions that could shape the course of commercial and defence technologies.

BMNL brings together leaders in advanced technology, aerospace, business, and government in a single Dutch forum to explore emerging technologies that address the world’s most pressing defence and security challenges.

Along with partners Brainport Development Eindhoven, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Brabant Development Agency, and the Netherlands Industries for Defence & Security (NIDV), GA-ASI will hear from Dutch businesses as they present capabilities on a broad range of technologies. 

This event provides participants an ideal opportunity to connect with funding sources and collaborate with industry leaders.

Learn more about the event’s agenda here.

To learn more, visit the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc Partner Hub: Innovation Partner Hub
Posted by Olivia Hannam Olivia is an Editor and Copywriter at Unmanned Systems Technology. She graduated with First-Class Honours in History from the University of Exeter, where she developed a passion for research and clear communication. Since joining UST in 2025, Olivia’s focus lies in creating well-crafted content that highlights the latest innovations and technologies shaping the unmanned sector. Connect

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