LIMA - The most exotic airshow in the world
The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition is held every two years on a beautiful island in the northwest of Malaysia. It stands as one of the largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific. LIMA serves as a significant platform for companies, military organizations, aerospace and defense professionals to showcase their latest technologies, their products, and services. The event attracts 45.000 trade visitors from all around the world, including companies from the aerospace and the maritime industry, equipment suppliers, and various military forces. It also welcomes 250.000 public visitors during the 3 days opened for them.
LIMA features spectacular aerial displays showcasing fighter jets, helicopters, and other military aircraft. These aerial demonstrations provide spectators with the opportunity to witness the latest technologies and capabilities of air forces in action. Additionally, the event includes static exhibitions where visitors can get up close to displayed aircraft and ships. This offers a unique opportunity for aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals to explore the latest innovations and military equipment up close. Finally, the huge halls of the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) which is located on the airport, welcome stands of industry professionals willing to display their innovations and services. The 20.000 sqm venue is utilized both indoor and outdoors.
The airshow has two locations: the Langkawi airport and the MIEC are the main place, where most professionals and equipement is located. This is where static exhibition and most of the aerial demonstrations take place. The second place is in Resort World Langkawi, which is basically a luxury hotel in the paradise island. The exhibition also takes place on the water, and it is about 110 ships that join the area to be presented.
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Lockheed C-130H-30 landing | M30-16
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Sukhoi Su-30MKM | M52-05
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Airbus A400M Atlas | M54-03
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Boeing F/A-18D Hornet | M45-06
People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Chengdu J-10D - August 1st Demonstration Team
Unusual shot with a US Air Force C-130J tail and the Russian Knights Sukhoi Su-35 in flight
Langkawi Airport - The static exhibition
In the scortching heat of Langkawi, a lot of exotic aircraft join the show for the static exhibition. A huge variety of both civilian and military aircraft are to be seen in the tarmac of the airport. Some can be visited, others are just here to be seen up close and personnal. Unfortunately for photographers, the fence is always very close to the aircraft, so it is very hard to get some decent pictures of the static displayed planes and helicopters. That is why there won't be pictures of all the aircraft displayed.
The Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM, Royal Malaysia Air Force) is logically the most present air force during the air show. For the static exhibition only, they brought one of their 4 A400M, a Hawk 200, a Sukhoi Su-30MKM, a F/A-18D Hornet decorated in the 25 Years livery, a Casa CN235MPA, as well as various helicopters, the most notable being one of the only 3 Mil Mi-17-1V from the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia.
Regarding the foreign visitors, the US Air Force and Navy came with a KC-135R from the 909 Air Refueling Squadron based in Kadena AFB, a P-8A Poseidon Maritime patrol aircraft, a C-130J Super Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron of Yokota AFB and a Sikorsky SH-60R SeaHawk from the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 49 (HSM-49) "Scorpions" based at NAS North Island, California. Next to all that, the Russian Air Force sent an Il-76 cargo aircraft, which came as a support for the Russian Knights demo team. The Royal Canadian Air Force brought a CP-140 Aurora. The Republic of Singapore Air Force came with a pair of great helicopters: a CH-47F Chinook and an AH-64E Apache. One of the surprises of the exhibition was the United Emirates Air Force Piaggio P-180 Avanti. The neighbors from Thailand sent what was probably the highlight of the static show: a beautiful Royal Thai Air Force Northrop F-5F Tiger in the beautiful bi-color camo.
Even though the proportion of military aircraft is very high, LIMA also attracts many civilian planes. Notably, Airbus came to the show with an Airbus A220-300 from Air Baltic. The aircraft began a Southeast Asian tour with an appearance during the first day of the show, where it could be seen on the static exhibition, as well as during a media and official flight. The A220 represented the latest generation of medium-haul aircraft, with a capacity of up to 160 passengers in its longest version (the A220-300). Prior to flying to Langkawi the aircraft made a stop in Kuching in Sarawak, where it was refuelled with a 10% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Embraer sent the direct rival of the A220 by coming with the demonstrator of the E195-E2 aircraft. The aircraft, painted in the beautiful Profit Hunter livery, demonstrated its modern and quiet cabin to the trade visitors and the general public, featuring a 2-2 seating configuration. Finally, Dassault Aviation presented a Dassault Falcon 7X for the trade days.
Royal Thai Air Force Northrop F-5F Tiger II | 91693
Repulic of Singapore Air Force Boeing CH-47F Chinook | 88160
US Air Force Boeing KC-135R | 61-0294
US Navy Sikorsky MH-60R Sea Hawk | 166546
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Lockheed C-130H | M30-08
Russian Air Force Ilyushin Il-76MD | RA-78816
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Hawker Hawk 200 | M40-34
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Eurocopter EC725AP Caracal | M55-04
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force Piaggio P-180 Avanti | 1208
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Casa CN235 | M44-03
Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Lockheed CP-140 Aurora | 140104
Russian Air Force Ilyushin Il-76MD | RA-78816
Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia Mil Mi-17-1V | M994-01
Royal Malaysian (TUDM) Air Force Boeing F/A-18D Hornet | M45-01
LIMA - The flying displays
The highlight of the show is for sure the flying displays, occuring every day of the exhibition from about 12:00 to 14:00. It is the occasion to get some different angles on the various aircraft presented in the air. Usually, the main assets of the Royal Malaysian Air Force are presented, as well as some aircraft from abroad. In 2023, the flying program was very varied and had a lot of display teams from abroad. Although the program was not the same every day of the show, it allowed to get a lot of good pictures of the solo displays, and especially the Su-30MKM and F/A-18D of the RMAF.
On the first day of the show, (May 23rd), the traditionnal Opening Gambit took place. At 09:00 am exactly, and for a few minutes, the TUDM demonstrated its capabilities with a lot of examples of its inventory. The show started with a F/A-18D simulated attack above the airfield, which dropped a fair load of flares during the climb. Then, a pair of Hornets performed a few crossings. A break of 5 Hawk 200 trainer aircraft followed, before two Su-30MKMs performed a close formation flypast. An A400M followed, accompanied by 9 PC-7 trainer aircraft. The first part of that show ended with 3 C-130H Hercules which did a very impressive break over Langkawi airport. Then, 5 helicopters (2x A-109, 2x AW139 and 1x EC725) did a short show. All the aircraft which took part to the previous part of the Opening Gambit then performed another flypast, the fighters using another lot of flares. This 5-minutes demonstration was certainly one of the highlight of LIMA.
The other highlight of the flying display program was the five demonstration teams from partner countries:
- The Russian Knights were amongst the most awaited aircraft in Langkawi. For the first time outside of Russia, they performed their show with 6 Sukhoi Su-35S. This demo team already attended the previous editions of the exhibition, though it was my first time seeing them.
- The "August 1st" Team is the aerobatic demonstration team of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF, China Air Force). Their appearance outside of China are extremely rare, and their first show abroad was in 2013, when they operated the J-10A fighter aircraft. In 2023, they upgraded their fleet to newer Chengdu J-10C aircraft. The first show with that fighter was LIMA.
- The Republic of Korea Air Force "Black Eagles" also took part to LIMA 2023 with the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle. It was a symbolic appearance, since Malaysia ordered 18 FA-50 at the beginning of the year, the fighter version of the korean aircraft. It was the occasion for Malaysians to get a glimpse of their future equipment.
- The "Fursan Al Emarat" demo team came especially from United Arab Emirates to demonstrate their capabilities. The seven Aermacchi MB-339 used their load of smoke to show off in front of the massive crowd.
- Finally, the "Jupiters" aerobatic team from Indonesian Air Force neighbors, completed this top 5. The six KT-1B Wongbee aircraft painted in red and white performed a very nice demonstration, to show this exotic aircraft.
Al Fursan - United Arab Emirates Air Force Demo Team Aermacchi MB-339
Russian Knights Sukhoi Su-35S
Republic of Korea Air Force - Black Eagles Demo Team FA-50 Golden Eagle
Opening Gambit - Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Sukhoi Su-30MKM, F/A-18D Hornet, Hawk 200
People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Chengdu J-10D - August 1st Demonstration Team
People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Chengdu J-10S - August 1st Demonstration Team
Republic of Korea Air Force - Black Eagles Demo Team
Opening Gambit - Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Lockheed C-130H-30
Russian Knights Sukhoi Su-35S
Russian Knights Sukhoi Su-35S
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Eurocopter EC725AP Caracal | M55-10
Indonesian Air Force Jupiter Demonstration Team KT-1B Wongbee
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Hawker Hawk 200 | M40-27
People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Chengdu J-10S - August 1st Demonstration Team
Royal Malaysian Army MD530 | M83-06
People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Chengdu J-10 - August 1st Demonstration Team
Russian Knights Sukhoi Su-35S
Royal Malaysian (TUDM) Air Force Boeing F/A-18D Hornet | M45-06
Sukhoi Su-30MKM - The star of the show
The star of LIMA has been, for many editions now, the mighty Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flanker-H. Malaysia signed a contract with Russia in 2003 to procure 18 units of the fighter jet, after a competition against the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The first two Flankers were delivered to the Royal Malaysian Air Force in 2007, and the first unit became operational in Gong Kedak Air Base in 2007. By 2009, all eighteen aircraft had been delivered to the TUDM.
The Su-30MKM is an improved version based on the Su-30 and later, the Su-30MKI of the Indian Air Force. The MKM version differs from the MKI mainly in the composition of its onboard avionics. Thales Group supplies the Head-up display (HUD), navigational forward-looking IR system NAVFLIR and the Damocles targeting pod. In 2016, a Su-30MKM successfully dropped a GBU-12 Paveway laser-guided bomb in a firing exercise, making it the first Russian-made Sukhoi combat aircraft that can use the American-made weapon. To improve the readiness of the fleet, the Su-30MKM were upgraded locally by Aerospace Technology Systems Corporation at the end of the 2010 decade. The first upgraded aircraft was received during the LIMA 2019 exhibition.
The Su-30MKM possesses genuine super-maneuverability achieved through digital fly-by-wire technology, canards, and two Saturn AL-31FP engines equipped with thrust vectoring, each generating 27,500 pounds of thrust with afterburners. This capability provides a distinct advantage in close-quarters dogfights, enabling the pilot to swiftly orient the aircraft towards potential targets, enticing them within the wide infrared seeker cone of the AA-11/R-73 Archer missile, and then launch the missile before rapidly going away. The solo display of the Flanker sure is a must-see during one's visit to LIMA.
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Sukhoi Su-30MKM | M52-04
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Sukhoi Su-30MKM | M52-05
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Sukhoi Su-30MKM | M52-05
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Sukhoi Su-30MKM | M52-05
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Sukhoi Su-30MKM | M52-05
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Sukhoi Su-30MKM | M52-05
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Sukhoi Su-30MKM | M52-05
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Sukhoi Su-30MKM | M52-05
LIMA - The Maritime Segment
Around 10 kilometers south of MIEC, the Langkawi resort world hosts the LIMA maritime segment. Every day during the exhibition, a demonstration involving many military vessels and some helicopters take place. The show was inaugurated, on the first day of the show, by the "fleet review" by the YAB (Prime Minister) of Malaysia. Some of the military assets of the Royal Malaysian Navy, Police and Customs performed a parade in front of the public. The fleet review is an inspection of ships at sea and is a naval tradition worldwide. After the parade, the helicopters arrived to the show, and the most dynamic part started. The demonstration consisted in various scenario, the most impressive being a hostage situation happening on a tourist ship attacked by pirates. Military and police ships, supported by the air thanks to various rotating wing, intervened to the scene and freed the fictional hostage. The skills showcased by the pilots were ability to fast-rope, to drop swimming soldiers, and to provide close air support with snipers.
The aerial assets of the maritime segment involved:
- Royal Malaysian Navy: A Eurocopter AS555 Fennec, a Westland Super Lynx and a pair of Leonardo AW139
- Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency: A Eurocopter Dauphin (although not seen every day of the show) and a Leonardo AW139
- Malaysian Police: A Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil
Maritim Malaysia (Malaysian Coast Guards) Agusta AW139 & Dauphin | M72-02 & M70-01
Maritim Malaysia (Malaysian Coast Guards) Agusta AW139 | M72-02
Royal Malaysia Navy (TLDM) Agusta AW139 | M503-1
Royal Malaysia Navy (TLDM) Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec | M502-4
Royal Malaysia Navy (TLDM) Lynx, Dauphin, AW139
Royal Malaysia Navy (TLDM) Westland Super Lynx | M501-6
Royal Malaysia Navy (TLDM) Agusta AW139 | M503-1
Maritim Malaysia (Malaysian Coast Guards) Agusta AW139 | M72-02
Malaysian Police Eurocopter AS355N Ecureuil | 9M-PHG
Fleet Review - Helicopters parade
Royal Malaysia Navy (TLDM) Westland Super Lynx | M501-6
Special visitors
A lot of special aircraft can be seen throughout LIMA: military supports, government aircraft carrying official delegations, but also some civilian aircraft from various companies. It is quite difficult to have some reliable information about the special movements, but we could see some very interesting aircraft.
First, the Royal Malaysian Air Force performed, like every edition of the exhibition, numerous movements between Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi with Lockheed C-130Hs and A400Ms. Daily rotations were put into place with equipment, military soldiers and officials. The government Airbus A320 and Dassault Falcon 900 could also be seen during the week, as well as Beechcraft Beech 350 from the Malaysian Customs.
Some visitors from abroad also visited the airport. Among them, the highlights were a Indonesian Air Force Boeing 737-300 which brought a delegation for the opening ceremony of the show, as well as a Fokker 50 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force and an A330MRTT from the same air force. Some other aircraft which came before, during or after the show were a UAE Air Force 787-8 Dreamliner (A6-PFC), C-130s from South Korea and Thai Air Forces, CN235 from the Indonesian Air Force and the very beautiful 767-200 from WestStar Aviation (which is a Malaysian company).
Republic of Singapore Air Force Fokker 50 | 711
Indonesian Air Force Boeing 737-400 | A-7308
WestStar Boeing 767-200 | 2-TSSA
Malaysian Government Dassault Falcon 900 | M37-01
Malaysian Government Airbus A319 | 9M-NAA
Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Lockheed C-130H-30 landing | M30-11
