General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. has announced a new investment in Arceon, a Dutch company developing ceramic composites, following its participation in the inaugural Blue Magic Netherlands event in November 2024. The move continues General Atomics’ expansion in the Dutch market and builds on previous investments in other local tech firms.
According to General Atomics, Arceon caught its attention with a pitch showcasing the latter’s proprietary melt infiltration process for producing high-performance carbon-ceramic components. GA said these components — used in nozzles, nose caps and airframes — are well-suited for demanding space and defense missions. The investment decision followed thorough technology and business evaluations conducted jointly by GA-ASI, General Atomics Energy and General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems.
Brad Lunn, managing director at GA-ASI, described Arceon’s technology as having “a broad range of applications” across the company’s portfolio, citing potential uses in high-temperature engine exhaust systems, hypersonic platforms and fusion containment technologies.
Arceon is the third Dutch startup to secure backing from GA-ASI through the Blue Magic initiative, joining Emergent Swarm Solutions and Saluqi Motors. Emergent specializes in software for autonomous flight and decentralized drone swarming, while Saluqi is advancing high-density electric motors for unmanned aerial systems. Both companies are expected to play key roles in expanding GA-ASI’s drone autonomy capabilities and supporting its efforts to meet the rigorous environmental standards required for aerospace applications.
The Blue Magic Netherlands event was co-organized by GA-ASI, the Dutch Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Brainport Development and the Brabant Development Agency. The summit served as a platform for identifying innovative Dutch technologies and supporting the country’s tech growth.