LIMA’25 Opens in Langkawi: Aerobatics, Naval Power, and Global Innovation Take Centre Stage
The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA’25) has officially taken off, filling Langkawi’s skies with the roar of fighter jets and the seas with warships from around the globe. Held under the theme “Today’s Innovation, Tomorrow’s Achievements,” this 17th edition of LIMA was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC).
A Spectacle in the Skies and at Sea
The opening ceremony at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) featured the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) signature Opening Gambit, followed by thrilling aerobatic displays:
-
Russian Knights (Russia): Known for their massive Sukhoi formations and precision flying.
-
Jupiter Aerobatic Team (Indonesia): Showcased the “Jupiter Roll” with six KT-1B Woongbi aircraft in red and white livery.
-
RMAF Su-30MKM jets debuted a special “Toruk Makto” livery, inspired by the Avatar film’s legendary flying beast.
In the afternoon, Anwar also launched the Maritime Gracing Ceremony at Resorts World Langkawi, culminating in a Fleet Review—a formal inspection of international naval vessels, continuing a global naval tradition.
International Participation: A Global Showcase
LIMA’25 is set to feature:
-
57 aircraft and 39 maritime assets
-
Military and defence tech from Brazil, France, Italy, Singapore, Indonesia, the United States, and more
-
Five days of live demonstrations, business networking, and strategic defence dialogues
This year’s edition reaffirms LIMA’s status as Southeast Asia’s premier aerospace and maritime exhibition, co-organised by the Ministry of Defence and Global Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd (GEC).
Economic Boost: Record Ferry Traffic to Langkawi
With public interest soaring, Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd confirmed 60,000 ferry tickets sold from May 20–25, nearly double the figures from LIMA’23 (31,138) and LIMA’19 (25,000).
To accommodate the influx:
-
122 additional ferry trips have been scheduled
-
Operating hours have been extended until 10 PM
-
Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah terminals are fully operational
-
Dredging works near Kuala Perlis have enabled increased traffic
“We advise passengers to arrive at least 1 hour before departure and to use the ‘Cuti-Cuti Langkawi’ app for round-trip bookings,” said Ferry Line Ops Manager Lt Commander (Rtd) Norhafiz Abdul Wahid.
Innovation and Industry Impact
Themed around innovation, LIMA’25 is not just a public spectacle—it is also a critical defence and aerospace trade platform, focused on:
-
Showcasing military and commercial aviation
-
Driving technology exchange between nations
-
Fostering investment in Malaysia’s defence and maritime sectors
Since its debut in 1991, LIMA has grown into one of the world’s most anticipated defence exhibitions, with strong backing from ASEAN governments, global defence manufacturers, and aviation industry leaders.
What to Expect Over the Next Five Days
LIMA’25 Highlights:
-
Air shows featuring cutting-edge fighters and aerobatic teams
-
Naval demonstrations and maritime strategy forums
-
Defence procurement talks and business matching
-
Technology showcases from drones to simulation systems
-
Public exhibitions for families and enthusiasts at MIEC and Resorts World Langkawi
Final Thoughts: LIMA’25 – Where Defence Meets Innovation
As fighter jets streak across the skies of Langkawi and naval ships line up for inspection in its surrounding waters, LIMA’25 once again affirms its reputation as a global platform for innovation, diplomacy, and economic opportunity.
From defence procurement to tourism boosts, the ripple effects of this event are significant—not only for Malaysia’s strategic sectors but also for its international standing in aerospace and maritime leadership.
Whether you’re a defence professional, aviation enthusiast, or tourist, LIMA’25 offers a powerful blend of technology, culture, and national pride—right in the heart of Langkawi.
