Nation
Monday April 30, 2007
Lima 2007 will feature mock attack of airfield
KUALA LUMPUR: This year’s Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima 2007) will have several interesting shows, including a mock attack of an airfield.
The attack will see soldiers from the Army and Air Force parachuting down from helicopters into the airfield in Langkawi.
They will be assisted by RMAF aircraft such as the F/A-18D Hornet, BAe Hawk and the Russian-made Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter aircraft.
Six of the Sukhoi jets are expected to arrive in time for the show and two will take part in aerial displays.
The RMAF ordered 18 Sukhoi multi-role fighter jets in 2003, in a deal which included a space training programme for Malaysians.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who gave a briefing on the exhibition, said the famed Red Arrows aerobatic team would also return for Lima 2007, scheduled for Dec 4 to 8.
“A total of 830 aerospace and maritime firms are expected to take part in the biennial event – this is the largest number in the series so far.
“A total of 120 aircraft and 65 ships will arrive, while 581 companies from all over the world have already confirmed their participation.
“The theme for Lima 2007 is 'Defence Industry: Meeting Future Needs',†he told reporters on Monday, after chairing a two-hour Cabinet committee meeting on the exhibition.
Najib said Lima 2007 would also be attended by international maritime enforcement agencies and 488 delegates, comprising senior defence officials from 63 countries.
About 50,000 trade and 80,000 public visitors are also expected to attend the exhibition.
Naib, who said four conferences would also be organised during the exhibition, added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would also have a “live†teleconversation with the crew of the navy’s Tunas Samudera sailing ship.
The vessel is circumnavigating the world and is expected to sail into Mexico at that time before returning to Malaysia on April 25 next year.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/30/nation/20070430183909&sec=nation