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LIMA 2013 Update

A RAF Typhoon overlying Penang Bridge. Pix by Geoff Lee/BAE Systems.

SHAH ALAM:PETALING JAYA: Yes the immediate concern is the intrusion off Lahad Datu but since I am stuck here (not to say we will get anything more if we are at Lahad Datu) lets get back to things more slightly interesting, for example Lima 2013.

Anyways since this year’s Lima will be held on March 26 to 30 in Langkawi, the same week as the supposed 13th General Elections we might up doing the same thing as the Lahad Datu incident, sitting on our backs and watching the news for updates!

Anyhow as I had mentioned previously, the Eurofighter Typhoon will be at Lima 2013. As stated by the release below:

“Typhoon aircraft from 1 Squadron Royal Air Force, the newest RAF squadron to be established with Typhoon, will deploy some 9300 miles to Malaysia in March to participate in the forthcoming Five Powers Defence Agreement Exercise 2013. As part of the deployment RAF Typhoons will participate at LIMA 13 and conduct the first official displays of the 2013 season. Whilst in the region the aircraft, from Royal Air Force Leuchars will be based mainly at RMAF Butterworth, detaching to LIMA for the display.

A RAF Typhoon flies over Penang Island in November, 2011. Pix by Geoff Lee/BAE Systems.

The RAF will also be conducting bi-lateral training exercises with RMAF front-line squadrons; an opportunity for each to work together, exploring the capabilities of respective aircraft types and further developing the warm relationship that they currently enjoy.

The RAF Typhoon display at LIMA will be an important event for the RAF, and the 2013 display pilot Flight Lieutenant Jamie Norris, from 29 Squadron Royal Air Force (the Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit) is looking forward to putting Typhoon through it’s paces. This year the aircraft will be present at Langkawi throughout the exhibition and Jamie has been practising hard on an exciting display showing the full and dynamic range of Typhoon capabilities.

The presence at LIMA and at the FPDA exercise reflects the important relationship between the UK and Malaysian Armed Forces, specifically the Royal Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force.”

This time around unlike Lima 2011, at least one Typhoon will be on the ground at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre at Langkawi Airport. The Typhoon will be joint be at least two Dassault Rafales and two SAAB JAS-39 Gripens. Like 2011, the Gripens will be Royal Thai Air Force planes which meant that they will be on static display only.

RTAF Gripen being prepared on the opening day of Lima 2011

No word about the Super Hornets though but I guess that at least two examples will be available during Lima as well as other planes from the Pacific Air Force will also be around.

As for the deals to be signed during Lima 2013, nothing has been confirmed yet but at the moment it looks like things like support contracts will only be the ones signed during the show.

–Malaysian Defence

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Marhalim Abas: Shah Alam

View Comments (1)

  • F.N.H. says:
    February 16, 2013 at 10:25 pm

    The Lahad Datu ‘hilarious sandiwara’ (as I’m calling it), is really the kind of ‘Wild West’ type of story that only serve to highlight deficiencies in all sorts of Malaysian government abilities (the laughable comment by the chief executive talking about ‘having the firepower to arrest them but preferring them to LEAVE peacefully’ had me convulsing. Incidentally, someone got arrested earlier for obscenities to a royal so it was in that sense I viewed the lesson here is to bring lots of guns & guys and demand the sky!).

    Anyway, LIMA 2013 within the timeframe of undoubtedly the most anticipated general election in the country? What I’m hearing is that quite a few events (at least by government corporations) are nearing stalling to cancellation plans due to the general uncertainties. Highly doubt new deals could come up on the horizon ‘pending new management’.

    Reply
    Que Sera, Sera…
    FareedLHS says:
    February 17, 2013 at 12:15 am

    Apparently the only ‘security risk’ that the authorities are willing and able to act on is Australia senator Nick Xenophon!
    nimitz says:
    February 18, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    Yeah fighter manufacturers are doing all out for LIMA 2012, so I will just relakx and wait for updates from this website….
    duuude says:
    February 18, 2013 at 10:32 pm

    I wonder if the French navy’s Rafales will bomb the Sulu invaders as part of their sales pitch!!! :D

    lol
    frend says:
    February 21, 2013 at 6:56 pm

    I think its very wise if we can solve this problem peacefully, even this is may show that malaysia claim over sabah is disputable
    Kate says:
    March 18, 2013 at 6:49 pm

    Any chance you can practise over the sea & not Butterworth? It’s a nightmare trying to teach over that noise!!

    Reply
    More coming soon and even after LIMA, the FPDA exercise to start after that!