China's first female J 10 pilots make overseas debut

LIMA 2015-Airshow Langkawi Russian Air Force Russian Knights]

LIMA 2015 RAF Typhoon Display Practice

SAAB JAS-39 GRIPEN NG,JET Fighter,[SOLO DISPLAY],(~air Show-2015 )

RAFALE Fighter Highlights, on Day 3 at LIMA 2015

LIMA 2015 17-22 MARCH

LIMA’15 sees RM9.3 bln worth of contracts 

inked

LANGKAWI: The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2015 (LIMA’15) saw a total of RM9.3 billion worth of contracts, memoranda of understanding (MoU), letters of acceptance (LOA) and letters of Intent (LOI) signed yesterday.
Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, who announced this on the final day yesterday for LIMA’15 trade delegations, said the value was higher than the RM4.2 billion at the previous edition of LIMA.
LIMA’15 will open its doors for the public for two days starting today.
“This represents a jump of approximately 12.1 per cent, indicating that LIMA throughout the years has continued to provide the ideal platform for maritime and aerospace businesses regionally and globally,” he told the media at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) here.
Seven contract documents were inked yesterday between the Defence Ministry and various companies, besides the five MoU, eight LOA and six LOI, he said.
According to him, LIMA’15 was much better than the previous editions as it involved greater participation of the commercial sector instead of just the military.
Participation of the commercial sector at this edition of LIMA saw a five to 10 per cent rise, he said, adding that there was much room for improvement in the next edition in 2017.
Among the notable contracts, MoU, LOA and LOI signed by the Defence Ministry was that with Thales Optronique of France for the supply of articles, services and technical assistance pertaining to the optronic avionics and communication equipment of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) SU-30MK.
The contract with Destini Prima Sdn Bhd was for the supply of parts and services for the life raft and life jacket owned by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
The Defence Ministry also signed an MoU with Petronas on the handover of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system to the Malaysian Armed Forces and an LOA with MTU Services (M) Sdn Bhd for the supply and delivery of spare parts, maintenance and training of MTU engines, sub-assemblies, components and electronics monitoring system for the RMN.  — Bernama

Dr Mahathir is all praise for this year's air and maritime exhibition

The Star/Asia News NetworkThursday, Mar 19, 2015

LANGKAWI - Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who has never failed to attend LIMA since its inception in 1991, is all praise for the 13th edition, the biggest one so far.
The former prime minister is happy to see the participation of many local companies at LIMA and more than 100 jets and planes.
"There are also more companies joining LIMA 2015 and what is interesting is half of the exhibitors are Malaysian companies.
"This is an achievement as not even one local company took part in the early editions of LIMA," he told the press during his visit to Malaysia's Krisakti aerobatic jets in Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre's tarmac yesterday.
He attributed this to the improvement of Malaysians in the electronic sector and airplane technology.
Lauding the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint (2015-2030), Mahathir said it would take some time for it to materialise.
"Take Singapore as an example, they have a strong air force and sophisticated jets but our approach is different, we are more on the manufacturing technology," he said.
He said Malaysia's efforts to further enhance the military technology was not meant to be at war with other countries but to make sure the country was not lagging behind.

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Royal Malaysia Navy corruption Scandal - Remands expire, MACC release 11 individuals

IPOH: Eleven individuals, including six Royal Malaysian Navy middle-rank officers, detained to assist investigations into alleged corrupt practices involving making false claims for tenders and procurement projects, were released upon the expiry of their remand order.

They had been remanded for 10 days since their detention.

The release order was issued by Ipoh Lower Courts assistant registrar Shamshol Azwa Martadza.

All 11 individuals, including the five civilians, were brought to the court building in a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) bus about 10am.

They were then taken back to the MACC office in Ipoh, where their personal belongings were returned to them.

MACC prosecuting officer Roseli Roszaini said the court had allowed them to be detained for 10 days before this to assist investigations under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 for soliciting an/or receiving gratification and Section 17(b) of the same act for offering an/or giving gratification.

He said investigators had recorded statements from all those detained and that the investigation papers had been forwarded to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP).

He added that some of those detained may be prosecuted soon while the rest may be summoned as witnesses.

Meanwhile, sources told the New Straits Times that the MACC is expected to serve a notice for those detained to declare their assets under Section 36 of the MACC act.

The source said the investigations would be continued thereafter whereby the commission would be doing financial and asset tracing.

"Once that is done, there is a possibility that those freed today (yesterday), will be called back for further questioning," he added.

It was reported that 15 people, including six middle-rank Royal Malaysian Navy officers, and nine civilians were detained about two weeks ago to assist investigations into the case.

The officers were investigated under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 for soliciting an/or receiving gratification while the civilians were investigated under Section 17(b) of the same act for offering an/or giving gratification.

The officers' activity came to light following their extraordinary lavish spending.

NST 20/3/2015

LIma 2015 - the biggest defence / naval and aerospace exhibition in the world.

This year is my second year to miss the exhibition. Must be age factor, considering i was involve with LIMA from the first exhibition until 2011.

It will be tiring for me now to stand on feet for 8 hours, 5 days and continue with social meeting and dinner.

But, the interest still there and missing my friends and competitors from all over the world. We remain friend after all this years.

i will post some of the news on LIMA 2015.

LIMA 2015: Two Indonesian aircraft crash during practice, pilots safe

Astro Awani | Updated: March 15, 2015 
(First published on: March 15, 2015 15:45 MYT)

KUALA LUMPUR: Two KT-13 aircraft of the Indonesian Jupiter Aerobatics Team crashed this afternoon when they grazed each other during a practice session for the 2015 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA 2015) exhibition in Langkawi.

The 2pm incident was confirmed on the Twitter account of "Kelab Penyokong Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia" @myTUDM.

The two pilots are reportedly safe as they were able to eject themselves from the aircraft on time.

The accident happened when six KT-1B aircraft were crossing the MIEC airspace before the tails of two aircraft grazed each other, a Langkawi Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that an eyewitness saw the tails of two aircraft collide and emitted fire before the jets crashed.

The eyewitness said he saw one of the two pilots escaped the crash via a parachute.

Another eyewitness told the national news agency that one of the jets crashed in Kedawang and set a house on fire there, but firefighters managed to douse the flames.

The Indonesian aerobatic team is reportedly one of five teams scheduled to put on airshows at LIMA 2015 which will be held from March 17-21.

The two pilots managed to eject themselves from their aircraft

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LDAu--u0D8

LIMA 2015 - best airshow of the year?

The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition is shaping up the be amazing. The lineup is as follows (source: www.thisisflight.net)


Royal Malaysian Air Forcex6 Hawk (FP)
x5 MB-339 (FP)
x3 Su-30 (FP)
x3 F/A-18 (FP)
x2 EC-725 (FP)
A400M (FP)
Su-30 (S)
F/A-18 (S)
Hawk (S)
CN-235 (S)
EC-725 (S)

United States Air ForceF-16 (F)
B-52 (FP/S)
x2 F-15 (S)
F-16 (S)
C-130 (S)
KC-135 (S)

Republic of Singapore Air ForceBlack Knights x6 F-16 (F)

People’s Liberation Army Air Force (China)
August 1st x6 J-10 (F)

United Arab Emirates Air Force
Al Fursan x7 MB-339 (F)

Russian Air Force
Russian Knights x6 Su-27 (F)
IL-76 (S)

Indonesian Air Force
Jupiter Aerobatic Team x6 K-1 (F)

Armée de l’Air (France)
Rafale (F)

United States Pacific Air Force
C-17 (F)

Royal Thai Air Force
Gripen (F)

Malaysia Maritime Law Enforcement Agency
x2 CL-415 (S)
x2 AW139 (S)
x2 AS365 (S)

Malaysia Fire and Rescue Department, Air Unit
Mi-17 (S)
Mi-171 (S)

Royal Malaysian Navy
Super Lynx (S)
AS555 (S)

Royal Malaysian Army Air Wing
A109 (S)

Royal Malaysian Police Air Wing
PC-6 (S)

United States Navy
x2 F/A-18 (S)
P-8 (S)
MH-60 (S)
UH-1 (S)

Trade/civilian
Krisakti/1Malaysia x4 Extra 300 (F)
Malaysian A380 (FP)
Halim Othman – Extra 300 (F)
AirAsia A320 (S)
x2 DA-40 (S)
x2 DA-42 (S)
x2 TB-10 (S)
Typhoon (S) [mock-up]
PC-12 (S)
PC-24 (S)
MD-530 (S)
Grob 120 (S)
Grob 520 (S)
Falcon 7X (S)
Global 6000 (S)
Bell 429 (S)
TB10 (S)
CN235 (S)
Caravan (S)
King Air 350i (S)
Citation CJ4 (S)
CL-605 (S)
S-76 (S)
Evektor Sportstar (S)
AW149 (S)
AW Grandnew (S)


(F) – Flying (F/S) – Flying and Static (S) – Static (FP) – Flypast (SP) – Support

Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace 2015

Lima ’15 to be the best and biggest one to date: Hishammuddin

By LESLIE ANDRES | New Straits Times – Mon, Mar 16, 2015

LANGKAWI: This year's edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition (Lima) will have a more Asean flavour to it.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today he had put in motion a strategy to rival the best aerospace and maritime exhibitions in the world.

He said the keys to this strategy were two overarching ideas: the creation of a marketplace for commercial aerospace and maritime industries, similar to what is currently implemented at Lima, but with a focus on Asean consumption; and, injecting business activities to foster networking of Asean and global businesses, in line with the Asean integration agenda.

He said this was also in line with Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean.

"And, judging by the growth in participation and interest so far, Lima '15 is shaping up to be the best gateway to Asean maritime and aerospace industries."

Hishammuddin said Lima '15 would have many "firsts".

"Notably, Lima'15 will have the highest ever attendance by Asean defence ministers and their respective delegations, (more than 100) aircraft and 65 maritime assets," he said, adding that the number of aircraft and maritime assets put together represented the highest number so far.

He said there were 512 companies from 38 countries taking part, an increase of 18 per cent compared to the 2013 edition.

Another achievement, he said, was that 70 per cent of the world's top 25 aerospace and defence companies were present, including the top 5 helicopter manufacturers.

"This year is the 13th edition in its 25-year history and is expected to be the best and biggest one to date."

What happened in LIMA 2015

New Malaysian airline flymojo to operate from Senai by October

KUALA LUMPUR - The battle for air passengers in Malaysia is set to heat up with the entry of a new airline, flymojo.

Leveraging on the billions of ringgit invested in the economic zone of Iskandar Malaysia, it will use Senai International Airport in Johor as its primary hub, which is expected to give Singapore-based carriers a run for their money on certain regional routes.

flymojo plans to start commercial operations by October. Its managing director Janardhanan Gopala Krishnan told The Business Times he is confident that, crowded skies notwithstanding, there is a market for an airline that can bring back "the magic of flying", backed by seamless service.

Fares will be priced between that of full-service and low-cost carriers', he said on Tuesday, following the signing of a letter of intent in Langkawi with Canada's Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. The deal is for the sale and purchase of 20 CS100 planes, with an option for an additional 20.

He signed the document on behalf of Fly Mojo Sdn Bhd; Bombardier was represented by its regional vice-president of Asia-Pacific sales, Frank Baistrocchi.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak and Transport minister Liow Tiong Lai were also at the signing, held on the sidelines of the annual Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (Lima) exhibition.

Currently capitalised at RM3 million (S$1.12 million), the airline is privately held and fully-owned by Malaysians and backed by private equity, Mr Janardhanan said.

In a joint statement, the companies said that, based on the list price, a firm order for the 20 aircraft would be valued at US$1.47 billion, or US$2.94 billion for 40 planes; the Malaysian company is expected to be the first customer and operator of the CS100 aircraft in the region upon execution of a firm purchase agreement.

"We asked for Senai because we looked at the amount of investments in the southern corridor and saw no commensurate infrastructure there - in the way KLIA serves the central region. It was a good-enough reason to kick-start the hub," said Mr Janardhanan, who used to be chief operating officer of Subang SkyPark Sdn Bhd, the operator for the Subang terminal.

Deputy transport minister Aziz Kaprawi said that as the only airline utilising the southern corridor, flymojo could transform Senai "into a key regional aviation and logistics hub, augmenting the government's push to develop Iskandar Malaysia and the southern corridor".

Kota Kinabalu in Sabah will be flymojo's secondary hub, in a development that will benefit Sabah and Sarawak tourism.

Mr Janardhanan said flymojo is building a team of 45 technical and cabin crew members. Some operations will be outsourced. For a start, the carrier will have three aircraft, likely to be leased, since its new aircraft will be delivered only at the end of the year. Each of its single-aisle planes will seat between 100 and 125 passengers.

The debut of flymojo comes at a time local carriers Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia X are struggling to be profitable amid intense competition and over-capacity.

Malaysian-Indonesian joint venture Malindo Air, which commenced operations in March 2013, has yet to establish a sound footing; it is unclear if it is profitable.

Mr Janardhanan assures that flymojo will bring a different experience and level of service to the table - from the time of booking to when the passenger lands: "We think there is a market out there for those that want to experience fun, where travelling is an event. Now, it is like taking a bus."

Malaysian Airforce showcases newly-bought Airbus transport planes

The Star/Asia News NetworkWednesday, Mar 18, 2015

The first Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft showcased at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhi­bition (LIMA 2015) is the latest acquisition by the RMAF.

Malaysia has ordered four of the transport aircraft from Airbus Defence.

Airbus Defence and Space CEO Bernhard Gerwert said he and the Airbus team were proud to deliver the first A400M to their first export customer, Malaysia, outside the original launch nations.

"These aircraft are utilised with a unique combination of strategic and tactical capabilities that will transform Malaysia's air mobility force," he said in a press release yesterday.

The plane was handed over at the A400M final assembly line in Seville, Spain, on March 9.

The A400M is able to fly higher, faster and further, while retaining high manoeuvrability and the ability to use short and unpaved runways. It is on static display at LIMA.

Aerospace industry to contribute RM32.5bn revenue by 2030: Najib

• News
 

 2015-03-17 11:31

LANGKAWI, March 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's aerospace industry is projected to contribute revenue of RM32.5 billion by 2030.

This is in line with the launch of the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2015-2030 in conjunction with the ongoing Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA'15) here.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia had come a long way since the launch of first aerospace industry blueprint during the LIMA 1997.

He said last year, the aerospace industry generated RM19 billion in revenue and RM4.2 billion in investments, with 19,500 jobs created.

"To underline our commitment to this vision, the Cabinet recently approved the establishment of a special body, the National Aerospace Coordinating Agency, under the purview of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

"This agency is tasked with implementing the blueprint and be the new secretariat for the Malaysian aerospace council," he said in his opening speech at the LIMA'15 here today.

Najib said according to the IHS Jane's forecast, defence spending in Southeast Asia will reach US$ 44.5 billion in 2018 compared to US$38.5 billion this year.

"This is in line with the trend of defence spending for the rest of the world.

"Indeed, this region is a key growth market for aerospace and maritime spending, not just in defence but also the commercial sector," he added.

On the maritime sector, Najib who is also the Finance Minister said, Malaysia has a long history as a maritime nation and it continues to be a key focus under Malaysia Third Industrial Masterplan.

He added that this year at LIMA, Malaysia will also launch the Malaysia Ship Building and Repair Industry Strategic Plan 2020.

"In 2013 alone, this industry recorded a turnover of RM8.36 billion. I am confident it will receive further and stronger growth in all aspects of the maritime sector in future," Najib said.

He also said being situated in the heart of one of the most energetic maritime and aerospace market, with strong connections to the region and open, business friendly economy, Malaysia's future prospects for growth in it remains strong.

Boeing looking to forge partnerships with industrial players in M'sia

Kuala Lumpur: The Boeing Company, which again will have a big presence at the upcoming Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition, is committed to being in Malaysia for the long-haul by teaming up with industrial partners to bring about mutually beneficial outcomes.

Vice-President, F/A18E/F International Sales, Global Strike, Defense, Space and Security, Howard Berry (pic), said the aircraft manufacturer was aware that merely offering a capable and affordable product was no longer adequate.

"We recognise the advantages of doing business in Malaysia and this is why sales in the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) programme here are that more exciting for us.

"The Malaysian industry will benefit by getting the technology, job creations, interactions with major corporations and become part of the Boeing supply chain," he said in an interview recently.

"It is not enough anymore to merely offer a capable or affordable product."

"While those are the essentials, it is becoming more important to bring industrial benefits together with your offerings because governments are looking to make politically smart decisions and spending their money most wisely," he said.

Governments, he said, were not only putting out dollars to make important defence acquisitions but it is also for them to reap benefits industrially as well as generate jobs for the populace.

"I often view Malaysia as this big market that's not fully tapped, it is a good and affordable place to do business."

Malaysia is also doing a good job in very quickly becoming more and more technically advanced so we get the best of both worlds here in terms of affordability and capability and this allows for the opportunity to make further investments."

"We believe Malaysian industry benefits by getting the technology, job creations, interaction with major corporations and they get to become part of the Boeing supply chain," he said.

Berry said Boeing also planned to leverage on LIMA which would be held from March 17-21, as a platform to broaden its dialogue within potential customers in the Southeast Asia region.

Some of the assets Boeing would flaunt at the biennial exhibition include two Super Hornets, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA), P-8 Poseidon, B-52 Stratofortress and F-15 Strike Eagle.

During the exhibition, Boeing would also bring images and models of its new AH-6i 'Little Bird' light attack/reconnaissance helicopter, which would suit the Royal Malaysian Air Force's needs, particularly given its porous borderline.

Berry said Boeing was optimistic that the Malaysian military would give the asset a keen consideration for acquisition.

When asked on any potential collaboration in engineering between Boeing and Malaysia, Berry did not discount the possibility given that the country was quickly becoming technically advanced and it was ready to climb up the value-chain.

"We have discussed with a number of Malaysian industrial entities on how we can bring Malaysian engineers to the United States for training as well as provide support for Boeing," he added.

He reiterated LIMA 2015 would yet be another opportunity to engage key customers in Southeast Asia and expose them to our products and services. – Bernama

Malaysia needs stronger aerospace players, says Mustapa Published on: Wednesday, March 18, 2015 Langkawi: Malaysia needs to strengthen the capabilities of its aerospace players to support the growth of the industry, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said. He said as Malaysia aspires to become number one aerospace nation in Southeast Asia and an integral part of the global market by 2030, there should be a strong will and commitment on the part of local companies to expand their capacities and capabilities. "The aerospace industry is targeted to be one of Malaysia's main engines of growth in the next decade as indicated in the (Malaysia Aerospace Industry) Blueprint 2030," he said at the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology Open Forum here Tuesday. The forum entitled "Charting the Future of the Malaysian Aerospace Industry" was held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2015 (LIMA'15). Mustapa said the commitment from all stakeholders in implementing the blueprint initiatives is critical to the success of the industry. "With the right attitude and entrepreneurial instinct, the aerospace industry in 2030 is set to be a strong, dynamic and high-technology sector that supports the complete aerosystem lifecycle and an important economic activity for Malaysia," he added. – Bernama Speaking when launching LIMA'15 earlier, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia's aerospace industry is projected to contribute a revenue of RM32.5 billion by 2030. The prime minister said Malaysia has come a long way since the launch of the first aerospace industry blueprint at LIMA 1997. He said last year, the nation's aerospace industry generated RM19 billion in revenue and RM4.2 billion in investments and created 19,500 jobs. "To underline our commitment to this vision, the Cabinet recently approved the establishment of a special body, the National Aerospace Coordinating Agency, under the purview of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. "This agency is tasked with implementing the blueprint and will be the new secretariat for the Malaysian aerospace council," he added. – Bernama MAHB, Nadi sign pact to enhance aerospace industry Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has signed a long-term concession agreement with National Aerospace and Defence Industries (Nadi) to support the government's initiative to enhance the development of aerospace industry in Malaysia. MAHB managing director, Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, said the agreement would allow Nadi to develop about 5.6 hectares at Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah in Subang. He said Nadi has the right capacity and experience to make this project a success. "It is a leading provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for military fixed-wings and rotary wing aircraft, and has also ventured into civil aircraft MRO," he said after the signing of the agreement at Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2015 (LIMA'15) here Tuesday. Badlisham said the development of the land would further position Malaysia as a global aerospace player with MAHB as one of the main drivers in the industry. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai witnessed the signing ceremony. Liow said the agreement would allow Nadi to focus on its core business while the Transport Ministry would work closely with Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) to encourage more private participants in the aerospace industry. "As regulator, the transport ministry also wants to help in the commercial aspects of aerospace industry while Miti will take charge to secure investment," he said. Nadi is a significant player in the aerospace and defence industries, located in Subang. – Bernama