Langkawi: The Indian Air Force aerobatic team, Surya Kiran, has withdrawn from participating in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA’25).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that India had initially confirmed its intention to send the team to the biennial exhibition but had to cancel due to issues currently affecting the country. ‘They had expressed readiness to take part. However, they cannot proceed due to the situation back home,’ he explained during a press conference after inspecting preparations for LIMA’25.
Despite the withdrawal, Mohamed Khaled assured that the exhibition would still feature aerobatic displays by several renowned international teams, including the Russian Knights from Russia and Jupiter from Indonesia. Local performances will include solo acts by the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Layang-Layang Flying Academy, and Aerotree Defence and Services.
He further mentioned that a total of 57 aircraft would be showcased in the 17th edition of the exhibition, including 43 static air assets from local and foreign participants, marking an increase from 34 in 2023. Of these, 26 are local air assets while 17 are from abroad, featuring countries such as Brunei, Germany, Italy, Canada, Singapore, Russia, and the United States. Commercial aircraft from India, Brazil, France, and Italy will also be on display.
Regarding the maritime segment, Mohamed Khaled reported that 31 ships from domestic and foreign fleets would partake in the static display and fleet review. This marks an increase from 19 ships at LIMA 2023, with 19 from Malaysia and 12 from countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and the United States. For the maritime demonstration, a total of 39 assets will be involved compared to 28 during the previous edition.
Representatives from 46 countries, including ASEAN member states and Malaysia’s friendly nations, have been invited to attend the exhibition, with a total of 140 delegates expected. These delegates include ministers, deputy ministers, secretaries-general, and heads of military services.
Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry is set to investigate claims that an air show rehearsal caused damage to house windows in a nearby village, a situation highlighted in a viral 56-second video. ‘We’re aware of the matter and will not ignore it. Air displays can sometimes have minor effects,’ Mohamed Khaled stated.
LIMA’25, co-organised by the Defence Ministry and Global Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd, carries the theme ‘Innovate Today, Thrive Tomorrow’, focusing on innovation and competitiveness in the maritime and aerospace sectors. The exhibition, held in Langkawi, Kedah from May 20 to 24, is the largest maritime and aerospace showcase in Southeast Asia since its inception in 1991.