Int'l Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition kicks off in Malaysia's Langkawi

LANGKAWI, Malaysia, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The 17th edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) kicked off here on Tuesday, with defense and associated companies from around the globe eyeing a higher profile in Asia's defense sector.

Organized biennially, the exhibition features 860 exhibitors representing various sectors in maritime and aerospace. They will be joined by 140 delegates from 46 countries and regions, including heads of military, enforcement agencies and other government officials, according to the organizer.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and members of his cabinet, including both deputy ministers Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, and Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, witnessed the opening ceremony, which featured an aerial demonstration by aircraft of the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

According to Khaled, among this edition's highlights are two aerobatic teams from Indonesia and Russia, who will showcase their skills at aerial maneuvers as part of the event.

Additionally, some 43 fighter jets and other aircraft from the participating countries will perform aerial displays at the Langkawi International Airport, while 31 warships and maritime assets, including 12 vessels from several participating nations, will be on display.

In a speech at the opening ceremony late on Monday, Anwar said the exhibition reflects the Malaysia's commitment to defense preparedness, regional peace, and strategic collaboration amid rapidly evolving global security challenges.

Anwar added that the exhibition is not just about military displays, it's about building partnerships, supporting local industries, and keeping pace with innovation for national and regional security.

For his part, Khaled said this year's edition would feature a strong emphasis on innovation and the development of indigenous defense technologies, with several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to be signed during the event.

"These MoUs include plans to initiate defense satellite development programs, integrate artificial intelligence into defense applications, and establish a national center of excellence in aviation," he told a press briefing. Enditem