LIMA 2025: What will we see?

The 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) is scheduled to be held from May 20 to May 24, showcasing 124 aircraft in flying and static displays alongside more than 400 exhibitors from 27 countries. Co-hosted by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the biennial event will take place at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) on Langkawi Island.

Flying Displays

In the flying display segment, two aerobatic teams are scheduled to perform. Russia’s Russian Knights will fly Sukhoi Su-35 fighters, and Indonesia’s Jupiter Aerobatic Team will fly KT-1B Wongbee trainers.

Solo performances include the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) Su-30MKM Flanker and F/A-18D Hornet. The Su-30MKM is expected to feature a special “Toruk Makto” livery inspired by the film “Avatar.” Civilian acts will include an Aerotree Extra 300L and a GB-1 biplane from Gamebird Layang-Layang Flying School.

Furthermore, the United States Pacific Air Force (PACAF) is scheduled to conduct a flypast with 2 B-52, 9 F/A-18 and 1 E-2 AWACS aircraft on 20th May 2025.

Static Displays

The static display area will display approximately 124 aircraft from both Malaysian and International operators. The RMAF will present a wide range of aircraft from its fleet, from frontline fighters like the SU-30MKM and F/A-18D, to advanced trainers such as the Hawk 108/208, and PC-7Mk II and transport aircrafts and helicopters such as A400M and the EC-725. Other Malaysian agencies are also scheduled to display their aircrafts at the airshow.

There are a few notable displays, namely Brazil’s Embraer C-390, Germany A400M, Russia’s IL76, and Canada’s CP-140 Aurora.

Exhibitors

The exhibition halls, divided into 4 main halls A-D, together with the lobby, A.T.M.O.S.Sphere and an outdoor chalet area will host more than 400 exhibitors from around the globe. Major country pavilions will include Russia, the United States, France, China, India, Iran and Malaysia. Exhbitors range from renowned major defence contractors such as Airbus and Thales, to space agencies like Roscosmos, Russia’s Space Agency.

Note: The plans for static display aircrafts are subject to change.