Lima '25 ready for takeoff
LANGKAWI: Get ready for breathtaking aerial displays and an impressive collection of planes and ships. The 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima '25) returns this month, expecting to draw 400,000 tourists to the island.
Taking place from May 20 to May 24 at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre Hall and Resort World Langkawi, Lima '25 will host 603 exhibitors from 25 countries.
They will showcase the latest in maritime and aviation products and services.
It will also be a rare chance to view an impressive line-up of leisure, commercial and military aircraft up close at the static display grounds, said a spokesperson from Global Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd, the co-organiser of the event held by the Defence Ministry.
The spokesperson added that the event's tagline will be 'Innovate Today, Thrive Tomorrow', adding that 120 air assets and 110 maritime assets would be on display, from countries like Malaysia, Turkiye, Korea, China, France, Russia, Germany, the United States, Italy and many more.
Among the aircraft that will be featured are fighter jets SU-30MKM, F/A-18 and Hawk 108/28 from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM), Piper 28 from Thai Flying Club, F/A-18 Super Hornets and B52/B1 from the US Air Force.
The Ilyushin IL-76 belonging to the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Dornier 228 aircraft from the Indian Air Force will also be among the main attractions.
For the fleet parade, a total of 34 ships will be anchored in position, including 15 from the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), five from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), and 15 ships from foreign naval forces.
'MMEA's participation will feature vessels such as KM Tun Fatimah, KM Langkawi, KM Gagah, KM Mulia and KM Perwira,' said the spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the airspace in the northern region is now filled with the regular roars of TUDM aircraft training for Lima '25.
In a statement, TUDM said the flight exercises involved fighter jets, carriers and helicopters involving two phases.
Phase 1 took place from May 6 to 13 in the airspace of Alor Setar, Kedah and Butterworth, Penang, while Phase 2 begins today and will be conducted until May 19 in the Langkawi airspace.
'During the exercise, TUDM aircraft will conduct low-altitude tactical flights. This exercise will also involve a series of explosions for the opening gimmick of Lima '25,' TUDM said.
Lima '25 will open its doors for three days to traders and two days to the public during the five-day programme.
It is one of the largest exhibitions in the maritime and aerospace industry in South-East Asia since it was first held in 1991.
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