KUALA LUMPUR: The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2027 (LIMA’27) will be used as a platform to encourage foreign defence companies to transfer technology to Malaysian firms, as part of efforts to accelerate the development of the country’s defence industry.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said LIMA had evolved beyond a conventional exhibition into a strategic platform that strengthens defence diplomacy, accelerates technological innovation, promotes industrial collaboration and creates economic opportunities for Malaysia and its international partners.
“These projections demonstrate not only the continued growth of LIMA but also Malaysia’s increasing importance within the global defence, maritime and aerospace ecosystem.
“LIMA has always been more than an exhibition. It is a platform where governments meet governments, industries meet industries, technologies become partnerships, and ideas become opportunities,” he said in his speech, which was read by Armed Forces chief Jeneral Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman at the official launch of LIMA’27 yesterday.
The exhibition, themed “Sustainable Vision Across Sea, Sky and Space”, will be held in Langkawi from April 20 to 24 next year.
“The theme reflects our aspiration to ensure that future defence and security development is not only technologically advanced but also sustainable, resilient and beneficial for future generations.
“These core segments reflect Malaysia’s commitment to developing future defence capabilities and self-reliance through innovation, local industrial development, technological excellence and stronger international collaboration,” Mohamed Khaled said, adding that the tremendous success of LIMA 2025 has strengthened the country’s reputation as a trusted host for one of the world’s leading defence, maritime and aerospace exhibitions.
Meanwhile, Jen Malek Razak said LIMA would serve as a meeting ground for international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and local industry players to explore strategic partnerships and technology transfer.
He said the government aimed to shorten the research and development (R&D) cycle by bringing proven technologies into Malaysia for further development with local companies.
“We want to shorten the R&D process. Technologies that are already available overseas can be brought into the country and developed together with the local industry so that we can accelerate the development of our defence capabilities,” he said.
Jen Malek Razak said the initiative was also in line with the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN), which seeks to make Malaysia more self-reliant in the defence sector.
Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali said LIMA’27 would also strengthen defence diplomacy, expand international cooperation and showcase technologies expected to shape future warfare.
He said the exhibition would feature autonomous systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, satellite communications and advanced weapons systems.
“LIMA is an important platform to strengthen defence diplomacy and defence literacy while enabling us to identify the technologies and capabilities that will shape the future battlespace.”
He added that the exhibition reflected “the Madani Government’s commitment to reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a strategic regional defence hub”.
Meanwhile, Defence Industry Division secretary Mohd Nizam Mohd Khir said LIMA would provide local companies with opportunities to establish joint ventures, technology-sharing partnerships and new investments with foreign defence firms.
He said Malaysian companies were expected not only to gain access to new technologies but also to become part of the global defence supply chain.
“We hope local companies will work with foreign companies to establish defence industry facilities in Malaysia.
“This will attract foreign investment, strengthen local R&D and innovation, and eventually enable Malaysian companies to become part of the international defence supply chain,” he said.
Mohd Nizam said the government remained committed to achieving at least 30% local content under the National Defence Industry Policy.
He added that more than 40% of the exhibition space for LIMA’27 had already been booked, reflecting strong confidence from industry players.
