Arceon was selected after presenting a strong pitch and holding in-depth discussions with GA-ASI and other General Atomics affiliates, including General Atomics Energy and General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems. The company is known for its advanced carbon-ceramic components, developed using a fast, scalable, and cost-effective melt infiltration process.
These components, marketed under the name Carbeon, are intended for high-performance applications such as nozzles, leading edges, airframes, and other structures in the defence and space sectors. GA-ASI sees potential for Arceon’s technology in various areas, including hypersonics, high-temperature engine exhaust systems, and fusion containment.
“We’re excited to be working with Arceon,” said Brad Lunn, managing director for GA-ASI. “Their technology could have a broad range of applications for GA, from high-temperature engine exhaust materials to hypersonics and fusion containment.”
Arceon’s founder and CEO, Rahul Shirke, welcomed the partnership as a major step forward. “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,” he said.
GA-ASI’s Blue Magic Netherlands event brought together Dutch innovators and government stakeholders, including the Dutch Ministries of Defence and Economic Affairs, Brainport Development in Eindhoven, and the Brabant Development Agency (BOM). The company is currently supplying eight MQ-9A aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).
GA-ASI plans to continue supporting Dutch technological growth and expects to host its next BMN event in Eindhoven later this year. The initiative began in Belgium in 2019 and has since expanded with events in 2020, 2021, and 2023.
