LIMA Set To Buzz Langkawi This May
ON May 20-24, the island of Langkawi in Malaysia will once again host the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) – a signature event on the global defence and security calendar. With the theme “Innovate Today, Thrive Tomorrow”, the 17th edition of the event is poised to be the region’s most consequential gathering for defence, maritime, aerospace and security professionals, governments and innovators.
Co-organised by Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence and Global Exhibitions & Conferences (GEC), LIMA 2025 promises to deliver an elevated experience that reflects the evolving priorities of the Asia-Pacific defence and aerospace ecosystems – and the need for innovation to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
The event features aerospace and maritime segments at two separate locations, wowing visitors with highly precise aerobatic displays over the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) airspace and warships from various navies docking at Resorts World Langkawi for visitors to board. Not to mention dazzling demonstrations by maritime security forces and static displays of aircraft on the tarmac. The prime minister is expected to officiate the aerospace and maritime segments followed by a fleet review.
Global players in the defence and aerospace industry from across the globe will convene at the exhibition, including firms from Turkiye, China, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Russia, the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland and more. Major players include Embraer, MBDA, Leonardo, Fincantieri, Syncrolift, Kongsberg, Rosoboronexport, Roketsan, Aselsan, ASFAT, Boeing, Diehl Defence, BrahMos Aerospace, Naval Group, Thales, Airbus, AVIC, CATIC among others.
Thailand’s Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has committed to dispatch a Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter to participate in the static display while the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will send three aircraft as well. Returning yet again, the Russian Knights aerobatic team which fly the highly manoeuvrable Sukhoi Su-30SM and Su-35S fighter jets. Additionally, the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran aerobatic team flying red-and-white BAE Hawk Mk132 aircraft will make a comeback to the show after its last appearance several editions ago. Russia is also reportedly sending a Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet to execute solo displays, likely to be one of the first appearances of the fifth-generation stealth fighter in the region.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:RMAF)