The much-anticipated Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace 2025 exhibition (LIMA 2025) has wrapped up, but for this writer at least, the show fell short of expectations.
Industry watchers and aviation enthusiasts say this year’s show lacked the buzz of previous editions. One described the daily air demos as ‘pathetic’, with only six to eight performances per day – two to three of which were ‘repeats’ by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
Despite being Southeast Asia’s premier maritime and aerospace exhibition, this year’s show exposed significant shortcomings in terms of exhibitors, aircraft and ship participation, air demonstrations, and overall event execution. The gaps between LIMA 2023 and 2025 raise serious questions about the event’s future relevance and the effectiveness of its organisers.
Exhibitors and participants: A mixed picture
LIMA 2023 attracted 600 exhibitors from 30 countries. LIMA 2025 saw an increase to 860 exhibitors, but from only 24 countries. Public attendance rose from 250,000 to 450,000. However, the number of aircraft participating dropped sharply from 110 in 2023 to just 43 in 2025, and maritime assets fell from 110 to 31.
While the event maintained a strong international profile with 500 foreign delegations, the reduced scale of displays and participation may reflect shifting global priorities and tighter industry budgets.
Notably absent in 2025 were key US defence contractors such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon, whose participation was prominent at LIMA 2023. The US presence at LIMA 2025 was almost non-existent – a stark departure from previous years when American companies and military assets were headline participants. This absence significantly reduced the global appeal and market competition that LIMA traditionally provides. However, this was balanced somewhat by emerging manufacturers, with Turkiye, China, Iran, South Korea, and India occupying large floor spaces within the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC).
The biggest participants in 2025 were mainly regional players like Russia, China, and a handful of Southeast Asian countries. Yet even here, LIMA 2025 felt underwhelming, with fewer naval vessels and aircraft from these nations than in 2023. For example, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy sent fewer ships compared to their strong showing at LIMA 2023.
Aircraft and ship participation: Fewer, less exciting assets
LIMA’s aircraft and ship displays are its signature attractions. LIMA 2023 featured over 100 aircraft, including top-tier tactical jets such as the Saab JAS-39C Gripen and F-16, alongside a formidable fleet of naval vessels. This gave visitors the spectacle of advanced fighter displays and the presence of cutting-edge maritime assets.
In sharp contrast, LIMA 2025’s aircraft count was lower, and the absence of several key players was glaring. The Swedish Gripen and American F-16 tactical jets, both crowd favourites in 2023, were missing. The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) F-15SG – with its impressive loadout of JDAM bombs, AIM-120 AMRAAMs, AIM-9X Sidewinders, and FAST packs (Fuel And Sensor Tactical conformal tanks) – was present. However, its F-16 Block 50/52s were notably absent.
The Russian Knights, another crowd favourite, turned up at the last minute – on the opening day at 9am – delayed in Hainan, China, due to a diplomatic snafu. They arrived in Langkawi in the morning, and by 2pm, were ripping up the skies with their thrilling routine.
Expectations of seeing the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II also fell flat despite earlier rumours. The Russian Su-57 stealth fighter, touted as the star attraction, was a no-show – delivering the biggest disappointment of the event and casting fresh doubts on Malaysia’s planned Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) procurement.
Ship participation also dwindled, with fewer foreign naval vessels than in LIMA 2023. The smaller number of warships on display diminished the event’s maritime dimension – a vital component given Malaysia’s strategic location and the show’s historical emphasis on naval capability.
Air demonstration segment: The show’s missing heartbeat
The air demonstration segment is the most visible and eagerly anticipated element of LIMA. LIMA 2023 was boosted by iconic teams such as the UAE’s Al Fursan and India’s Surya Kiran. This year’s airshow was notably weaker. Aside from Al Fursan’s absence and Surya Kiran’s cancellation due to the Indo-Pak conflict, China’s August 1 aerobatic team did not participate, further reducing the international flavour.
Without high-speed tactical jets like the Gripen, F-16, and J-10C to keep the momentum alive, the air demonstrations felt flat despite the participants’ best efforts. LIMA 2025 appeared to rely heavily on the RMAF to fill the gaps – which is unsustainable for a show aiming to attract global attention. The participation of fast, modern tactical jets from multiple countries is essential to maintain the excitement and prestige that LIMA once commanded.
Weather woes compound the problems
Adding insult to injury, LIMA 2025 was plagued by poor weather throughout much of the show. Low visibility, heavy rain, and unsettled conditions disrupted the daily schedule of air displays, frustrating both exhibitors and waiting crowds. Comparatively, LIMA 2023 enjoyed far more favourable weather conditions, allowing for uninterrupted flying and a better overall visitor experience.
In one instance, on Thursday, the RMAF’s Sukhoi Su-30MKM had begun its takeoff roll for the second show of the day when the commentator announced that the routine had to be cancelled due to the lashing rain that had just started.
Weather is a critical factor for outdoor airshows – not just for safety, but for maintaining crowd engagement and satisfaction. Poor weather dampens the spectacle and risks deterring repeat visitors in future editions. LIMA organisers must prioritise weather contingency planning and consider seasonal timing more carefully to maximise favourable conditions.
What went wrong – and what needs to improve
Several factors contributed to LIMA 2025’s shortcomings:
• Geopolitical tensions – The ongoing Indo-Pak conflict and other regional disputes led to withdrawals from key participants like India’s Surya Kiran. China’s August 1 team’s absence and a smaller naval delegation may also be linked to diplomatic sensitivities.
• US disengagement – The low profile of American companies and military assets deprived LIMA 2025 of a critical market presence and competitive dynamic. Reasons may include shifting US priorities or strategic recalibrations in the Indo-Pacific.
• Logistical and organisational issues – The absence of marquee aircraft like the Su-57 despite expectations points to possible planning and coordination failures. This has serious repercussions for Malaysia’s MRCA ambitions, as demonstration aircraft play a key role in procurement decisions – not to mention the ‘wow’ factor for the show.
• Dependence on local assets – Relying too heavily on the RMAF for displays risks stagnation. LIMA must actively court diverse international participants to maintain its global standing.
• Weather oversight – Poor weather management or scheduling during less favourable periods harmed the show’s overall impact.
To safeguard LIMA’s future, organisers must adopt a more strategic, forward-looking approach. Early, concrete commitments from participants are crucial – especially for fast tactical jets whose presence energises the crowd and media coverage. Robust contingency plans for weather disruptions should be standard. Stronger diplomatic engagement can help mitigate geopolitical impacts.
Conclusion: A wake-up call for LIMA
LIMA 2025’s lacklustre performance relative to LIMA 2023 is a stark reminder that even established aerospace and maritime exhibitions cannot afford complacency. The air demonstration segment remains the heartbeat of the event, and the participation of top-tier tactical jets and air demonstration teams is non-negotiable for maintaining momentum and global interest. The absence of critical players, reduced exhibitor numbers from fewer countries, disappointing weather, and lack of major US involvement have combined to undermine this edition.
For Malaysia and the regional defence industry, LIMA must be reinvigorated through better organisation, clearer long-term planning, and proactive international engagement. Without these changes, LIMA risks losing its status as a premier defence expo and becoming just another regional trade show.
The onus is now on the organisers to learn from 2025’s failures and ensure that future editions meet the high expectations of exhibitors, visitors, and the global defence community.
Main image: Royal Malaysian Air Force
