Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition

History

Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition began in 1991, with slightly over 100 exhibiting companies with the aim of making Langkawi the venue for light and experimental aircraft to fly unhampered by heavy traffic, modelled after the EAA Air Venture in the United States. LIMA has now expanded into maritime exhibitions, and is also one of Asia-Pacific's largest maritime and air exhibitions. Nowadays, a four-hour flying display is held daily throughout the show.

LIMA 2003

The LIMA 2003 exhibition generated business totalling RM 2.182 billion (US$ 575 million) through thirty contracts, letters of offer and acceptance or intent, and memorandums of understanding.

LIMA 2005

LIMA 2005 witnessed a signing of RM 4 billion worth of contracts in maritime and aerospace items. According to the then Defence Minister Datuk Seri Haji Najib Razak that the amount included defence contract RM 3.2 billion, letters of offer worth RM 403 million and letters of intent worth RM 344 million. Najib Razak said that a major portion of the contracts sealed this time was related to the purchase of Airbus A400M aircraft for the Royal Malaysian Air Force, which amounted to RM 2.8 billion including the equipment.

LIMA 2007

LIMA 2007 was the successor to LIMA 2005. The air and maritime exhibition mainly consisted of the same concepts.

LIMA 2013

The biennial Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace 2013, was launched on 27 March 2013. The show started with a display of air stunts by the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Among the VIPs who were present was Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, Raja Puan Muda Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, and their two children.

LIMA 2013 recorded an overall growth of 10%. 433 exhibitors from thirty-one countries, 333 defence delegations from thirty-eight countries, 632 media personnel from 127 agencies, sixty-eight ships, and seventy-eight aircraft attended the show. The five-day event also saw 38,421 trade visitors from both defence and commercial sectors from all around the world, as well as 135,691 public visitors.

Daily airshows and maritime stunts were staged for visitors. The shows are conducted by local and foreign military personnel. Vehicles included Zodiac and CB90 boats, Super Lynx and Fennec helicopters. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency showcased its Kilat and Petir boats with their Agusta Westland, Dauphin and Bombardier aircraft.

LIMA 2013 was hoped to be the cleanest exhibition ever, as the organisers had hired a firm with 150 workers to conduct the cleaning and waste managing throughout the event.

LIMA 2013 witnessed the signing of twenty-four contracts that amounted to RM 4.271 billion, boosting the Malaysian defence technology industry.

LIMA 2015

LIMA 2015 was inaugurated on 17 March 2015, and concluded on the 21st. Dassault Aviation had a successful bid, the Malaysian Government expressed interest in buying some of the Dassault Rafale jet aircraft.

LIMA 2017

LIMA 2017 saw over 180,000 visitors, compared to about 175,000 visitors during LIMA 2015,. It was expected that there will be a 10% larger crowd during LIMA 2019. LIMA 2017 recorded 555 exhibitors from thirty-six countries, compared to 512 from thirty-six countries in LIMA 2015. The value of contracts and agreements signed this time also rose to about RM 3.7 billion, an increase of 81% from the RM 2 billion, while twelve memorandums of understanding, eleven contracts, seven letters of agreement, and five letters of intent signed were signed.

LIMA 2019

Prime minister Mahathir Mohamad launched LIMA 2019 after regained his power. He also launched the first edition of LIMA in 1991 when he was the fourth prime minister.

LIMA 2023

Defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein announced that LIMA 2023 will be held from 23 to 27 May 2023. Around 600 exhibitors from twenty countries are expected to take part in this edition. Aerobatic teams from various air forces, such as the Black Eagles, August 1st, Jupiter Aerobatic Team, Russian Knights, and the Al Fursan took part in the aerobatic display.

LIMA 2025

The 2025 edition of LIMA was held from 20 to 24 May 2025. The number of participating aerobatic teams was reduced compared to 2023. The participating aerobatic teams attending were the Jupiter Aerobatic Team and Russian Knights. The Indian Air Force aerobatic team Surya Kiran was supposed to participate as one of the aerial display teams, but withdrew due to the aftermath of the war at Kashmir. Their withdrawal was announced the day before the airshow.

References

References

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2. (2025-05-24). "Lima '25 attracts 450,000 visitors, spurs interest in national defence industry". New Straits Times.
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27. (29 May 2023). "防衛省 海上自衛隊".
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