Kuala Lumpur, May 20 - The Indian Air Force’s renowned aerobatic team, Surya Kiran, has withdrawn from the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA’25), scheduled to take place from May 20 to May 24, 2025, in Langkawi, Malaysia. This decision, announced by Malaysia’s Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin on May 19, 2025, marks a significant change in the biennial event's lineup, one of the Asia-Pacific region’s premier defense and aerospace exhibitions. The Surya Kiran team, known for its breathtaking displays of precision flying and vibrant formations, was initially set to participate but had to cancel due to unspecified issues affecting India. The minister noted that the Indian Air Force had expressed readiness to join the event but was compelled to prioritize domestic challenges, preventing their attendance.
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LIMA’25, now in its 17th edition, remains a critical platform for showcasing advancements in maritime and aerospace technology, drawing global defense professionals, governments, and industry innovators. The event, co-organized by Malaysia’s Ministry of Defense and Global Exhibitions & Conferences, features both aerospace and maritime segments, with aerobatic displays being a highlight for attendees. Despite the absence of Surya Kiran, the exhibition will proceed with a robust lineup of international aerobatic teams, including the Russian Knights from Russia and the Jupiter Aerobatic Team from Indonesia. Local performances will also feature, with solo displays by the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Layang-Layang Flying Academy, and Aerotree Defense and Services, ensuring a dynamic aerial showcase.
The withdrawal of Surya Kiran comes at a time when the Indian Air Force’s aerobatic team has been actively engaging in high-profile events. Recently, at Aero India 2025, held from February 10 to 14 in Bengaluru, the team captivated audiences with their nine-aircraft formations, flying Hawk Mk-132 jets adorned with colored smoke in the hues of the Indian national flag. Their absence from LIMA’25 is notable, given their history of international performances, including a debut at the Asian Aerospace Show in Singapore in 2004. The team, formed in 1996, has built a reputation for executing complex maneuvers with precision, making their withdrawal a disappointment for aviation enthusiasts anticipating their appearance in Langkawi. The exhibition itself will feature an impressive array of 57 aircraft, including 43 static air assets, up from 34 in 2023. These include 26 local and 17 foreign aircraft from countries such as Brunei, Germany, Italy, Canada, Singapore, Russia, and the United States, alongside commercial aircraft from India, Brazil, France, and Italy.
The maritime segment will showcase 31 ships, with 19 from Malaysia and 12 from nations like Singapore, Indonesia, and the United States, marking an increase from 19 ships in 2023. Additionally, 39 maritime assets will participate in demonstrations, compared to 28 in the previous edition, underscoring LIMA’25’s growing scope. While the specific reasons for India’s withdrawal remain undisclosed, the decision reflects the prioritization of national exigencies over international commitments. LIMA’25 will continue to offer a vibrant platform for aerospace and maritime innovation, with its theme, “Innovate Today, Thrive Tomorrow,” resonating through the diverse displays and demonstrations. The event’s expansion plans, including potential growth of the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre and Langkawi International Airport, signal its ambition to accommodate even greater participation in future editions, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of the global defense calendar.