INDIA’S renowned Surya Kiran aerobatic team has withdrawn from the upcoming Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA’25), despite earlier confirming their participation.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the decision was made due to current domestic issues in India.
“They had expressed readiness to take part. However, they cannot proceed due to the situation back home,” he said at a press conference after overseeing LIMA’25 preparations today.
While the Indian Air Force's exit marks a notable absence, Khaled confirmed that the airshow will still feature thrilling aerial displays by international performers including the Russian Knights from Russia and Jupiter from Indonesia.
Local participation will include solo displays by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Layang-Layang Flying Academy, and Aerotree Defence and Services.
A total of 57 aircraft will be showcased at LIMA’25, including 43 static displays—up from 34 in 2023—with 26 contributed by Malaysia and 17 by foreign participants from countries such as Brunei, Germany, Italy, Canada, Singapore, Russia, and the United States. Commercial aircraft from India, Brazil, France and Italy will also be featured.
On the maritime front, 31 naval ships will participate in static displays and fleet reviews, a significant increase from 19 in the previous edition. Of these, 19 are Malaysian while the remaining 12 come from Singapore, Indonesia, the United States and other countries.
“For maritime demonstrations, 39 assets will be involved, compared to 28 in 2023,” Khaled said.
He also confirmed that 140 delegates from 46 countries, including ASEAN members and other key partners, have been invited to attend. These include ministers, deputy ministers, secretaries-general and military chiefs.
Meanwhile, in response to a viral video showing shattered house windows allegedly caused by airshow rehearsals, Khaled said the Defence Ministry is looking into the matter.
“We’re aware of the incident and will not ignore it. Air displays can sometimes have minor effects,” he stated.
LIMA’25, themed “Innovate Today, Thrive Tomorrow”, is jointly organised by the Defence Ministry and Global Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd. Running from 20 to 24 May in Langkawi, Kedah, the biennial exhibition is the region’s largest platform for maritime and aerospace innovation. - May 19, 2025
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