Action in the sky: Lima ’23 sees the participation of over 600 companies from the local and international defence industries, at MIEC. — Bernama

LANGKAWI: More than 70 aircraft from the Malaysian Armed Forces roared in the sky here in a symbolic opening of the 2023 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (Lima ‘23).

The event, which started at 9.45am yesterday, was preceded by an air show on the tarmac in front of the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) here.

It was witnessed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and several dignitaries and members of the foreign delegations, reported Bernama.

The opening gambit began with a show of the RMAF F/A-18D Hornet fighter aircraft, with the roaring sound of its engines shaking the tarmac.

Another show that attracted the public’s attention was a rescue demonstration using MD530G and EC725AP helicopters involving 10 members of a special team.

The show ended with a diamond formation by SU30MKM, F/A18D and Hawk aircraft and an explosion on the tarmac.

Prior to this, the armed forces had confirmed that five countries would participate in the aerobatic show, namely Indonesia, China, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Russia.

Lima ‘23, themed “The Nexus of Asia’s Maritime and Aerospace Trade” will run until May 27.

This edition of the exhibition involves the Defence Ministry (defence sector) and the Transport Ministry (commercial sector).

The biennial exhibition was last held in 2019 and in 2021, it was postponed following the Covid-19 pandemic.