A "radar village" featuring radars used by the Malaysian Armed Forces and other countries is one of the new attractions at this year's Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition (Lima '05). An area measuring more than 14,800 sq metres was set aside for the radar village, a collaboration between the Defence Ministry and Zetro Services Sdn Bhd.

Another attraction at Lima '05 is the European-manufactured Tiger attack helicopters, which is exhibited in this region for the first time. Among the invited guests are 232 ministers and armed forces heads or their representatives from 57 countries.

As usual, there were breathtaking flying demonstrations by the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s MIG-29 and FA-18 squadrons and a parachuting display by 160 paratroopers.

Lima '05 offered a platform for aerospace manufacturers and those from related industries to promote their latest products to civil and military officials, industry players and leaders from Malaysia and other countries in the Asia Pacific region. They have 14 highlights in the aerospace section, including a radar village, anti-craft missile, planetarium booth and unmanned aerial vehicles demonstration. The aerospace segment took place at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Hall and the maritime segment in Porto Malai.

Among the 68 aircraft of 400 companies from 23 countries taking part are the Yak 130 trainer aircraft, AV 139 medium-sized helicopter and ATR-42MM Sky-X aircraft. For the Maritime section, 164 exhibitors from 18 countries had participated and displayed 54 vessels, including Malaysia’s own off-shore patrol boat.

Langkawi and Lima inseparable!

Langkawi folks are not happy with the proposal to relocate the venue for the Langkawi International Maritime and Air Show Exhibition (Lima) to Subang airport.

Dr Mahathir, who initiated LIMA, said to hold LIMA at another venue such as Subang would not achieve the objective of converging the maritime and aerospace segments in a single location. If it is done in Kuala Lumpur we have to separate the maritime and air show components as Klang Valley is not a suitable location because it was located far from the sea.