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LIMA 2023

29/05/202317/07/2023 Paolo Valpolini Langkawi, LIMA 2023, Malaysia

Following a four-year interval due to the pandemic, 2023 marked the 16^th edition of LIMA, the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition. The Malaysian showcase for air and naval systems took place Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre 23-27 May and according to data provided by organisers gathered 600 exhibitors from 30 nations, 20 of which set up national pavilions.

Over 100 aircraft were visible on the tarmac, while a similar number of ships were also exhibited. While the main venue, adjacent the Langkawi airport, hosted flight demonstration with five aerobatic team showing their skills, among others, a naval demonstration was organised at Resort World Langkawi / Langkawi Cruise Terminal. Over 10 ship from numerous navies were moored in the bay or alongise in the Langkawi harbour.

In the first days, dedicated to professional visitors, the highest Malaysian authorities attended the exhibition and demonstrations. On Day 3 the Minister of Defence of Malaysia witnessed a signing ceremony where a total of 43 contracts worth RM 10.128 billion (Euro 2.03 billion) were signed, the main one concerning four UH-60A Black Hawks, three Anka MALE UAVs and two ATR-72MP maritime patrol aircraft, not to mention the 18 FA-50 fighters.

One of the key subjects was the Littoral Mission Ship Phase 2 programme, for which numerous international shipyards are lining up, and which one of the main topics of our report is.

Hereafter EDR On-Line readers can find articles on key topics seen at LIMA 2023.