MINDEF: LIMA'27, DSA & NATSEC Asia 2028 gain global industry backing

KUALA LUMPUR: The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2027 (LIMA'27), as well as the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2028 exhibitions, have received early commitments from several leading global defence industry players to participate in the events.

Among the companies that have confirmed their participation are Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, RUAG, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Glenair, Team Defence Australia and Kallman Worldwide, while NAICO Malaysia has confirmed its role as a strategic partner.

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), in a statement, said the early commitments reflected growing confidence among global defence and aerospace industry players in Malaysia's capability to host international-standard defence exhibitions.

"The development further strengthens LIMA'27 and DSA & NATSEC Asia 2028 as leading international platforms for the defence, aerospace and security sectors, while creating opportunities for strategic cooperation and supporting the growth of the defence industry," it said.

The participation contract signing ceremony involving the international defence companies was held at the Malaysia Pavilion during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 (FIA 2026) in the United Kingdom.

The ceremony was witnessed by Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali and Air Force chief General Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris.

Mindef said Malaysia's participation in FIA 2026 was expected to boost international participation and further enhance the profile of LIMA'27 and DSA & NATSEC Asia 2028, while opening up opportunities for strategic investments, industry collaboration and technology transfer to support the country's defence industry ecosystem.

It said both exhibitions would continue to serve as strategic platforms for Malaysia's defence diplomacy by strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties with international partners.

"Through these platforms, Malaysia will expand strategic dialogue, facilitate capability development, encourage industry collaboration and strengthen trust and understanding among defence partners.

"This approach is in line with the aspirations of the Sixth Thrust of the National Defence Strategic Plan (PSPN) to strengthen international relations and empower the country's defence industry ecosystem," it said.

LIMA'27 will be held from April 17 to 20, 2027 in Langkawi, jointly organised by Global Exhibition & Conference Sdn Bhd, while DSA & NATSEC Asia 2028 will take place from April 17 to 20, 2028 in Kuala Lumpur, with DSA Exhibition & Conference Sdn Bhd as co-organiser.