Langkawi: The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2027 (LIMA'27) is targeting the participation of up to 930 exhibiting companies, marking a 15 per cent increase from previous editions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that the projection reflects LIMA's continued growth and highlights Malaysia's increasing importance within the global defence, maritime, and aerospace ecosystem. He noted that both local and international responses have been encouraging since the soft launch of LIMA'27 at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia exhibitions earlier this year, with about 40 per cent of exhibition space already booked.
"This early achievement reflects the international community's confidence in Malaysia and reinforces LIMA's position as a preferred platform for defence diplomacy, technological collaboration, and strategic business engagement across the Asia-Pacific region," he said. His speech text was read by Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman at the official launch of LIMA'27.
Also present at the launch were Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali and Global Exhibitions and Conferences chairman Gen (Rtd) Tan Sri Azizan Ariffin. LIMA'27 carries the theme 'Sustainable Vision Across Sea, Sky and Space', reflecting Malaysia's aspiration to ensure future defence and security development is technologically advanced and sustainable.
Mohamed Khaled mentioned that LIMA'27 is expected to welcome participation from 36 countries, an estimated 60,000 trade visitors, up to 400,000 public visitors, and 450 international delegates representing 65 countries. The event is also expected to showcase up to 110 aircraft and air assets, alongside approximately 90 naval vessels and maritime assets. Invitations have been extended to four internationally renowned air aerobatic display teams from South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Russia.
Meanwhile, Lokman Hakim informed a press conference that LIMA'27 will provide the public with the opportunity to view several new asset acquisitions by the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). These include the South Korean-made FA-50 'Fighting Eagle' light combat aircraft, the ANKA-S Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).
Malek Razak added that the staging of LIMA 2027 aligns with the National Defence Industry Policy and the National Defence Strategic Plan. "LIMA is a strategic platform structured by the ministry and the MAF towards building the 'Force of the Future', which has entered its development phase starting this year until 2030," he said.
LIMA'27 will be held in Langkawi from April 20 to 24, 2027.