Lima third largest after Farnborough and Paris airshows

LANGKAWI: The Langkawi International Maritime and Air (LIMA) Exhibition 2013 is now recognised as the third biggest defence exposition in the world, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said LIMA 2013 was now ranked third after the Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom and the Paris Air Show at the Le Bourget Airport.

He called on those, who had belittled LIMA by claiming that the exhibition was purportedly drawing less response and that a smaller number of defense assets such as aircraft and warships were on display, to come for themselves to the next LIMA exposition.

"Our LIMA is unique because at other shows, they separate the air show from the maritime exhibition but here, we merge the aerospace and maritime shows. This is the biggest success for our country," he told reporters at the closing ceremony of LIMA 2013.

The LIMA exposition, among other things, aimed to bring together decision-makers in the defence and trade sectors as well as key players in the defence industry.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said the objectives of LIMA 2013 had been achieved and the exposition had attracted more than 40,000 professional visitors and traders as well as 632 media personnel comprising 337 local media and 295 international media representatives.

A total of 180,000 members of the public including local residents and tourists had visited the exhibition.

The Farnborough Air Show last year attracted 100,000 professional visitors and traders as well as 109,000 local visitors.
- BERNAMA

source New Straits Times

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Need to buy new ships, aircraft

LIMA EXHIBITION: PM says govt has identified maritime and aerospace industries as key sectors to support


Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (second from right), his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyidddin Yassin, and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor at the 12th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition in Langkawi. Pic by Effendy Rashid

LANGKAWI: THE Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition is poised to become a gateway for defence spending by the Asian market, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday.

The prime minister said the exhibition was well situated to take advantage of the growth in military spending in Southeast Asia which went up by 13.5 per cent last year, with Asian defence spending set to overtake Europe for the first time.

"Military modernisation programmes continue to drive defence spending in Asean. (The) acquisition of ships and aircraft, drones and armoured vehicles will continue to be the focus of procurement within the region and form the majority of defence procurement spending until 2020," he said when launching the 12th Langkawi International Maritime and Aero-space exhibition (Lima 2013) here.

Najib said Lima was important for Malaysia as the government had identified the maritime and aerospace industries as key sectors for investment and support.

He said the launch of the Malaysian Shipbuilding/Ship Repair Industry Strategic Plan 2020 at the last edition of Lima and the recent inclusion of the industry in the Economic Transformation Programme were clear acknowledgement of its importance, not just in accelerating Malaysia's growth but also in providing high-income jobs.

"We have also pushed aviation to the centre of our industrial policy. Through the Malaysian Aerospace Council, we have steered the development of the aviation industry."

Najib said the aviation industry had grown from RM8.2 billion in turnover in 1998 to RM30 billion, with more than 230 active companies and a workforce of 65,000.

Last year, he said the aerospace industry recorded RM2.3 billion in investments, creating 2,700 new jobs.

"Situated as we are in the heart of one of the most vibrant maritime and aerospace markets, with strong connections to Asia and an open business-friendly economy, I believe the future prospects for growth are strong."

As expected, Najib began his speech by touching on what must have been on his mind for the last month or so -- the intrusion in Sabah by gunmen.

"I stand before you today in unique circumstances. I have served as defence minister, as deputy prime minister and now as prime minister. I have spoken at this exhibition and others like it but this is the first time I have done so while an internal security situation is ongoing.

"Six weeks ago, a group of armed militants landed on Borneo's eastern shore pursuing a grandiose territorial claim that is without merit or basis in fact.

"It was the beginning of the biggest internal security threat since the communist insurgency ended in 1989."

As former defence minister, he said he had made big decisions on defence procurement and policy and advised forces and companies on spending and strategies.

"These were big questions. They involved potential loss of life and deployment of national resources," he said, mentioning the country's decision to send troops on peacekeeping missions under the United Nations' umbrella to places like Bosnia, Somalia and Lebanon.

Nothing, he said could adequately prepare someone for a situation like the Sabah incursion.

"I urge the men and women currently on duty in Sabah to remain steadfast and vigilant. Our prayers are with you always."

Najib also paid tribute to those who had fallen in Ops Daulat in Lahad Datu and Semporna, adding that it was the responsibility of the government to ensure that its security forces were provided the best equipment the country could afford and to show that the lives lost in protecting Malaysia's sovereignty were not lost in vain.

"You shall not be forgotten."

Yesterday's opening ceremony was held on the tarmac of the Langkawi International Airport, the first time since Lima's inception in 1991.

The ceremony was followed by a short show by 22 Royal Malaysian Air Force -- the F-5E Tiger, MiG-29N Fulcrum, Sukhoi SU-30MKM, Boeing F/A-18D Hornet, BAE Systems Hawk and Aermacchi jets and Eurocopter EC-725 Cougar helicopters.


Malaysia’s Krisakti aerobatics team going through its routine over the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre on the first day of the Lima exhibition yesterday. On the tarmac are Dassault Rafale multirole fighters of France’s Armee de l’Air.

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Britain Offers Malaysia RM10bil Arms Package

The British government has offered Malaysia an arms package which can be worth more than RM10 billion if all options are exercised. The proposed package includes new Hawk jet trainers, advanced frigates, howitzers and future soldier systems for the army, industry sources told theSun.








Separately, the British government is also backing the offer by BAE Systems to sell 18 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets for the Royal Malaysian Air Force's multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) requirement.

The sources said they do not expect any deal to be signed soon as the offer needs to be studied in detail.

In 1988, the British government under the then prime minister Margaret Thatcher presented a similar package to Malaysia, resulting in the procurement of Hawk trainers and frigates worth some RM4.9 billion in 1992.

According to sources, the current offer has been made as Britain seeks to boost its defence exports amid severe cutbacks in military spending by the United States and Europe.

Furthermore, without a government-to-government deal, British companies are facing difficulties when promoting their arms to Malaysia, the sources said.

For example, due to a company-mandated anti-bribery policy, BAE Systems is not working with any local agent to market the Typhoon.

"They faced a severe handicap as their competitors, such as the French Rafale and Swedish Gripen, are being promoted by their local agents. BAE Systems has to rely on its own company officials," one source told theSun.

The source said it is therefore imperative for the British government to step in to back the Typhoon deal although separate from the arms package.

BAE Systems, one of the world's biggest defence companies, also manufactured the Hawk trainers, howitzers and frigates.

"If the Malaysian government accepts the arms package, BAE Systems will be the main beneficiary of the deal," the source added.

On Oct 29, BAE Systems chief executive Ian King and a delegation were in Malaysia to discuss the company's bid for the MRCA programme. The highlight of the visit was a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak in Putrajaya.

Apart from Najib, King and the delegation also met Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

Industry sources told theSun King was told the government would use the normal procurement process. King's visit came a month after theSun reported on Sept 24 that Swedish defence and aerospace company, SAAB, had offered a lease-buy option for its Gripen fighter jet for the MRCA programme.

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France to help in defence research

KUALA LUMPUR: France is enthusiastic about playing a bigger role in Malaysia's research and development in the defence industry, said its visiting Defence and War Veterans Minister Gerard Longuet.


French Defence and War Veterans Minister Gerard Longuet with Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the Defence Ministry yesterday. Bernama pic

"We are keen to provide French expertise and technology and work together as a global partner," he said at a joint press conference with Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the Defence Ministry yesterday.

Longuet also praised Malaysia for demonstrating its capabilities as a stabilising force in Southeast Asia.

Malaysia has also supported French initiatives by sending United Nations peace-keeping troops to Lebanon and medical teams to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation-led mission in Afghanistan.

He also commended Malaysia for ensuring the safe passage of its commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden, by deploying naval auxiliary combat ships, to ward off Somali pirate attacks.

Zahid touched on the acquisition of assets like the EC-725 Eurocopters, Scorpene submarines and the Airbus A400M medium-lift air- craft from France.

"Although many of these products and services are French in nature, they meet our quality and specifications at the right price," said Zahid.

Malaysia is due to take delivery of 12 EC-725 helicopters from next year and the four A400M from 2015, both for the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The two Scorpene submarines have been in service with the Royal Malaysian Navy the past two years.

source New Straits Times

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