As expected, the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA) concluded as a “successful event” accompanied by “extraordinary” figures. Of course, both these phrases are somewhat cliché and commonly used to describe the exhibition during its year of hosting.
There is no denying that LIMA 2025 impressed thousands of visitors, particularly members of the public. For them, having the chance twice every two years to see and hear the roar of fighter jets in the sky is a rare experience.
However, from a personal perspective, the true benchmark of LIMA’s vibrancy each year lies in the presence of aircraft, both military and commercial, and most importantly, aerobatic teams. With only two aerobatic teams participating after the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran withdrew, this shortfall became a defining characteristic of LIMA 2025.
Whether we like it or not, a contingency plan had to be initiated when Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft, originally meant as supporting highlights, had to step in and become the main aerobatic attraction.
Now over 20 years old, the F/A-18D Hornet “Pikachu” with its distinctive yellow stripes was brought out for the show. Another RMAF highlight was the special Sukhoi SU-30MKM named Toruk Makto, which made daily flights over Langkawi to captivate audiences. While the prowess of Hornet and 4.5-generation Sukhoi pilots is not in question, it would have been better to feature more international aerobatic teams.
This would have prevented the event from appearing like an “RMAF Day”, as it was perceived when local aircraft dominated Langkawi’s skies.
Since its establishment more than 30 years ago, LIMA’s identity has been as an international maritime and aerospace exhibition where aerobatic teams are a key attraction.
Indonesia’s aerobatic team, The Jupiters, have consistently shown strong support for LIMA with their ongoing involvement.
Photo: Air Times/Zulhaizi
Moreover, the presence of both military and commercial aircraft in static displays is equally important to maintain LIMA’s prestige. Over the past decade, LIMA has successfully attracted some of the world’s top aerobatic teams, such as the RAF’s Red Arrows and the USAF’s Thunderbirds.
The participation of these high-profile teams greatly boosted LIMA’s reputation during that time. Russia also delivered a spectacular display with its Mi-8 helicopter during LIMA 1999, along with South Africa’s Rooivalk attack helicopter.
Other notable appearances included the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale. Even in a time before the rise of social media, LIMA had already established itself as an exclusive event.
Looking back at the previous edition, LIMA 2023 featured breathtaking aerobatic performances from Indonesia’s Jupiter team (KT-1B), China’s August 1st (J-10), South Korea’s Black Eagles (T-50), and the UAE’s Al Fursan (MB-339). The standout performer was clearly the Russian Knights with their Su-35SM and Su-30 fighters.
The appearance of the Russian Knights was highly anticipated, especially since they did not arrive during the pre-LIMA period as they usually had in the past.
Photo: Air Times/Zulfadzli
Had the August 1st aerobatic team participated in LIMA 2025, it would certainly have attracted attention for flying the Chengdu J-10 — the same aircraft type used by Pakistan in regional conflicts.
The J-10 was also among the contenders for the RMAF’s LCA/FLIT program before being eliminated in favor of the FA-50M.
It is easy to imagine social media feeds filled with photos and videos of the J-10 aerobatics from August 1st.
At LIMA 2019, in addition to the Russian Knights and Jupiter team, the Indian Air Force sent two HAL Tejas aircraft, including one for an aerial display.
LIMA 2019 was particularly special as it marked the overseas debut of the Tejas, for which HAL made extensive preparations to capture public attention.
Like China, India at the time was actively lobbying for the RMAF’s LCA/FLIT program using the Tejas.
With the theme “Today’s Innovation, Tomorrow’s Achievement”, the 17th edition of LIMA was expected to showcase advanced aircraft technologies, including helicopters, in line with its motto. Many had hoped to see the participation of fifth-generation fighter jets or aircraft close to that level, but that did not materialize.
While the prowess of Hornet and 4.5-generation Sukhoi pilots is not in question, it would have been better to feature more international aerobatic teams. Photo: Air Times/Zulfadzli
For comparison, the Singapore Airshow has, since 2020, successfully attracted the United States to send its F-35 jets for both static and aerial displays. This continued at the Singapore Airshow 2022 and 2024, where the USAF’s F-35 was joined by the KC-46A refueling aircraft.
As is widely known, Singapore is set to be the first — and possibly the only — Southeast Asian nation to operate the fifth-generation F-35.
Also worth noting was the Royal Thai Air Force’s 88th Anniversary celebration held in March at Don Mueang Air Base. The August 1st and Surya Kiran teams gave performances, while the United States sent two F-35A Lightning II jets.
If LIMA wishes to retain its status and prestige as the leading airshow in the region, it cannot afford to fall behind.
— airtimes.my
