The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023 witnessed a breathtaking display of aerial prowess this year as aerobatic teams from around the world showcased their skills.
The biennial LIMA event, which takes place in Langkawi, Malaysia, has earned a reputation as a premier venue for presenting cutting-edge developments in aviation and marine technology.
This year’s event, held from May 23 to May 27, once again met expectations by drawing a wide range of accomplished aviators and showcasing breathtaking flying displays.
The skies over Langkawi came alive as famous aerobatic teams from different countries displayed their skills and adrenaline-pumping maneuvers.
One of the standout moments was the highly-anticipated debut of Malaysia’s recently acquired GB1 Gamebird aerobatic aircraft, showcased by the Layang Layang Flying Academy.
![The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force's August 1st aerobatics team performs at the 16th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2023) in Langkawi, Malaysia, May 23, 2023.(Photo: Xinhua)](https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2023/2023-05-23/068c4abc-7860-4c49-a0e3-82d29d4204f9.jpeg)
Joining the display were other renowned aerobatic teams from different nations, each with their unique aircraft. The Black Eagles of the Republic of Korea, flying the T50, displayed their mastery with stunning aerial formations.
Piloting the J-10, the August 1st Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force crew dazzled the spectators with their impressive maneuvers and coordinated displays.
The powerful Su-30SM and Su-35 were employed by the Russian Air Force’s Russian Knights to demonstrate their abilities, leaving viewers in awe of their incredible aerial maneuvers.
Fursan Al Emarat of the United Arab Emirates Air Force, flying the MB 339, impressed the audience with their coordination while flying in formation.
Last but not least, the Jupiter Aerobatic Team of the Indonesian Air Force performed exhilarating aerobatic maneuvers to display their skill.
This year at LIMA, we had a number of memorable air shows from aerobatic teams from around the world including the Republic of Korea’s Black Eagles (T50), The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s August 1st (J-10), the Russian Air Force’s Russian Knights (Su-30SM),- pic.twitter.com/Wliwz3NkKj
— LIMA2023 (@2023LIMA) May 29, 2023
The event also proudly highlighted the participation of renowned display pilot Captain John “Scratchman” Sham, a highly experienced former fighter pilot of the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Meanwhile, Colonel Andrev Alekseev, the chief pilot of the Russian Knights, expressed his team’s delight and honor in flying Russia’s aircraft over the Malaysian skies, marking their continued participation since their first appearance at LIMA in 1991.
Continuing the conversation, Alekseev emphasized that their participation in LIMA 2023 serves as a valuable platform for the Russian Knights to showcase the capabilities of Russian aircraft.
Additionally, it offers an excellent opportunity to promote aviation equipment to the international market.
LIMA 2023
The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023, held from May 23 to 27, proved successful. LIMA cemented its status as the largest aerospace and marine show in the Asia Pacific by attracting 600 exhibitors from 30 nations.
On the first day of the 2023 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, 36 aircraft from the Malaysian Armed Forces took to the sky, marking the event’s opening.
The captivating display commenced with the F/A-18D Hornet fighter aircraft. The show concluded with a diamond formation of SU30MKM, F/A18D, and Hawk aircraft.
The event was divided into two distinct segments, each offering a unique experience for attendees.
The Mahsuri International Exhibition Center (MIEC), located near the island’s airport, hosted an international trade show and captivating air display, while the nearby Resort World Langkawi (RWL) at Porto Malai showcased a maritime display.
![An aerobatic team performs during the air show at the 16th Edition of Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2023) in Langkawi, Malaysia, May 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)](https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2023/2023-05-24/2d3303d9-c84c-4079-8714-76245128b67f.jpeg)
In the maritime segment of LIMA 2023, Resort World Langkawi served as the host venue for a fleet of 41 warships. These vessels hailed from 14 different nations, representing a diverse naval power and cooperation range.
Notably, among the participating warships was a surface combatant representing the People’s Liberation Army – Navy (PLA-N), further highlighting the global significance and prestige of the event.
Nonetheless, the event drew a sizable crowd, with an estimated 45,000 trade visitors and 238,000 public visitors. Furthermore, visitors from 41 countries other than Malaysia contributed to the exhibition’s broad and international environment.
The expo included many defense items, including 110 aerospace and 110 maritime displays. This contained an enthralling mix of military and civilian commercial assets.
Indoor and outdoor areas accommodated a variety of exhibitions throughout a vast exhibition space of 20,000 square meters.
The event provided a forum for industry executives, experts, and enthusiasts to learn about cutting-edge technology, develop alliances, and see revolutionary advancements in the aerospace and marine industries.
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