LANGKAWI: It’s all systems go for the latest edition of the Langkawi
International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) Exhibition 2009 with
military aircraft and warships on showcase from today till Saturday.
The world-class platform for the aerospace and maritime industries is recording several firsts.
Swing-wing jet: An F-111 of the Royal Australian Air Force rehearsing
for the air show in Langkawi yesterday. — Bernama
The Royal Malaysian Navy’s first submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman will make its maiden appearance at the maritime segment show at Awana Porto Malai.
The Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarine is expected to be the main draw of the maritime show.
The
exhibition has also recorded the largest number of ships anchored off
Porto Malai – a total of 99 warships and vessels of all kinds.
Another
first is the first appearance by the Republic of Singapore Air Force
(RSAF) with its AH-64D Longbow Apache helicopter and F-16 Fighting
Falcon jets, which are expected to carry out aerial displays to thrill
the visitors.
Another debut is the huge B-52 bomber of the United States Air Force, which is expected to make a low-level fly-past routine.
Underwater defender: Malaysia’s first submarine,
the ‘KD Tunku Abdul Rahman’
being moored at the Awana Porto Malai
jetty yesterday. — Bernama
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who made final
checks on preparations for the show yesterday, said this year’s event
would see the maritime and aerospace exhibition being merged under one
roof at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC).
Zahid
said 10 memorandums of understanding on the de- fence and aerospace
industries would be signed between Malaysia and participating countries.
Also
for the first time, the 96th Armed Forces Hospital will provide medical
treatment for participants and visitors to the exhibition venue.
A
temporary army hospital with 50 beds, an operating theatre and a
medical laboratory has been set up at the Mahsuri International
Exhibition Centre parking area.
The air show will only be opened to the public on Saturday.
A total of 325 exhibitors from 25 countries are participating in Lima this year.
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