KUALA LUMPUR: Aircraft and ships of the United States (US) Air Force and Navy have arrived in Langkawi to take part in the biennial Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) 2019, which will take place from March 26 to 30.
A statement from the US Embassy here said US military participation will include everything from bands to bomber jets, underscoring the significant regional and global partnership shared between the two democracies.
“Lima is a phenomenal multinational event and s showcase for the military-to-military ties between the US and the Malaysian armed forces.
“We appreciate our Malaysian hosts; are grateful to be here in beautiful Langkawi; and look forward to celebrating our enduring relationship throughout the course of the exhibition,” said Col Scott Humphrey, US mission commander with the Washington Air National Guard.
The Washington National Guard, through the US Department of Defence’s State Partnership Programme, has been participating in Lima since 2017.
The participation followed the two countries elevating their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2014. Through the partnership, the US and Malaysia have worked closely on security matters, including counter-terrorism, maritime domain awareness, and overall regional stability through frequent bilateral and multilateral training, exercises and visits.
“Lima represents Malaysia’s strategic importance geographically, economically, and, for the United States, bilaterally.
“This year, the United States will bring a senior-level delegation (to Langkawi) to highlight business opportunities that will benefit both our countries; the bilateral cooperation that has enhanced regional peace and stability; and the people-to-people relationships that have brought our countries into a Comprehensive Partnership,” said US Ambassador to Malaysia, Kamala Shirin Lakhdir.
US aircraft scheduled to participate in this year’s exhibition include the C-17 Globemaster III transport; the KC-135 Stratotanker refueler; the MQ-9 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter; the P-8 Poseidon intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform; and the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter.
The B-52 Stratofortress bomber is also scheduled to perform a flyover during the event. Meanwhile, US naval assets which will be showcased at the event include the USS Blue Ridge and USS Preble.
In addition to equipment, approximately 1,400 US airmen and sailors, including the commanders of both the US Pacific Air Forces and the US Pacific Fleet, will take part in the event.