Langkawi, May 19 - The skies above Langkawi International Airport roared to life on May 17, 2025, as the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) conducted a breathtaking aerial display rehearsal in preparation for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA '25), scheduled from May 20 to 24. The event, held at the airport’s Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), drew hundreds of spectators who gathered to witness the RMAF’s precision and power, a prelude to one of the Asia-Pacific region’s most prestigious defense and aerospace showcases. The rehearsal showcased the RMAF’s formidable fleet and the skill of its pilots, setting the stage for what promises to be a highlight of LIMA'25.
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The rehearsal featured an array of aircraft, including the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30MKM and the American-made F/A-18D Hornet, which executed intricate maneuvers with seamless coordination. The thunderous sound of jet engines reverberated across the island as pilots performed aerobatic stunts, including sharp dives, barrel rolls, and high-speed passes. Helicopters, such as the Eurocopter EC-725, and transport aircraft like the Airbus A400M also participated, demonstrating the RMAF’s diverse capabilities. The display included dramatic flourishes, with flares illuminating the sky and simulated bomb-like explosions creating plumes of smoke, eliciting gasps and cheers from the crowd. These elements underscored the RMAF’s combat readiness while captivating onlookers with their visual spectacle.
A week earlier, on May 14, the RMAF had offered a similar sneak peek in Butterworth, Penang, where residents enjoyed a free show as squadrons took off from the local airbase. Photographers lined open spaces to capture the Sukhoi Su-30MKM and F/A-18D Hornets soaring overhead, their sleek forms cutting through the sky. The Butterworth rehearsal highlighted the RMAF’s commitment to engaging the public, offering a glimpse of the high-stakes training that underpins their performances. In Langkawi, the rehearsal built on this momentum, with the added intensity of pyrotechnics and a larger contingent of aircraft, including BAE Hawks and PC-7 trainers, which flew in tight formations.
The RMAF’s preparations reflect the significance of LIMA '25, the 17th edition of the biennial exhibition, which will feature 102 aircraft and 35 naval vessels, alongside a record 600 exhibitors from around the world. The event, initiated in 1991 by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has grown into a global platform for defense and aerospace innovation. The RMAF’s aerial displays are a centerpiece, showcasing Malaysia’s military prowess and fostering international collaboration. The rehearsals, which began days earlier, included a half-hour opening ceremony performance, a highlight exclusive to VIPs on the event’s first day, featuring dozens of fighters and helicopters. Spectators at the Langkawi rehearsal were left in awe, with many marveling at the pilots’ skill and the sheer power of the aircraft. The event not only served as a technical run-through but also as a testament to the RMAF’s dedication to excellence, ensuring that LIMA '25 will deliver an unforgettable spectacle when the skies light up again on May 20.