LANGKAWI: Russian Knights, an air force aerobatic demonstration unit from Russia, expressed gratitude for being given the opportunity to perform aerial aerobatics for the seventh time at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA '23).
Since Russian Knights first appearance at LIMA in 1991, the group's chief pilot, Colonel Andrev Alekseev, said his team was very happy and honoured to fly Russia's aircrafts over Malaysian skies.
"This year's air show is very nice and we see a lot of our partners from other countries flying their fighter jets.
"We would like to emphasise that LIMA this year has been really well organised with the host doing a great job, not only for the exhibition, but also for the air show," he told the media when met at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) compound, here today (May 25).
The Russian Knights, better known as Russikiye Vityazi, are flying six Sukhoi SU-35SM and one SU-30 in the air show during the five days of LIMA '23, from May 23 to May 27.
In the air force team air show, six SU-35SM aircraft started the show by showcasing an aerial aerobatics display and rounded off with a solo flight by the SU-30 aircraft.
Speaking further, Alekseev said the involvement in LIMA '23 will continue to help the Russian Knights demonstrate the capabilities of Russian aircraft as well as to promote aviation equipment to the international market.
Other than the Russian Knights, LIMA '23 also showcased international aerobatic teams from Indonesia known as Jupiter, China (August 1st) and South Korea (Black Eagles). – Bernama