LIMA’25 opens with thunderous aerial display by RMAF

THE Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA’25) took off with a spectacular aerial performance by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), featuring a high-octane flypast of F/A-18D Hornets and Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter jets.

The opening ceremony, held at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, accompanied by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

The RMAF’s Opening Gambit was further elevated with a grand formation and aerobatic showcase involving 25 aircraft, including six Pilatus PC-7 MK II trainers, two A400M and three C130H transport aircraft, and eight helicopters comprising the EC-725, AW-139 and EC120B.

Bernama cited today that thousands of spectators, including foreign and local delegates, gathered to witness the high-flying display over the skies of Langkawi.

Also in attendance were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces, General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar.

Now in its 17th edition, LIMA’25 brings together 860 exhibitors from 24 countries — comprising 426 international and 434 local companies — cementing its position as one of the region’s largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions.

The five-day event, co-organised by the Ministry of Defence and Global Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd (GEC), runs until 24 May and is themed “Today’s Innovation, Tomorrow’s Achievements”. It continues to serve as a strategic platform to showcase cutting-edge defence technologies and foster competitiveness among regional and global industry players. - May 20, 2025