SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES PARTICIPATE IN LIMA’23

By Massita Ahmad

SINGAPORE, May 23 (Bernama) -- The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is participating in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA’23) in Malaysia, said the republic’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

“It is at the invitation of the Malaysian government,” said MINDEF in a statement today.

The SAF’s participation includes the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopter on static display with accompanying displays of munitions such as the AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Hydra-70 Rockets and 30 mm rounds.

In addition, one RSAF CH-47F helicopter will also be participating in the LIMA’23 static display for the first time, said MINDEF.

MINDEF said the SAF has participated in LIMA since 2001, underscoring the warm and longstanding defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia.

“The SAF and the Malaysian Armed Forces interact regularly through bilateral exercises, professional exchanges and cross attendance of courses as well as multilateral activities under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus.

“These interactions strengthen professional ties and mutual understanding between both armed forces,” said the ministry.

Updating on Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen who attended this year’s LIMA, MINDEF said the minister also interacted with RSAF personnel participating in the exhibition.

The ministry said Dr Ng has attended an official luncheon hosted by Malaysian Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Minister of Transport Anthony Loke Tuesday afternoon.

“Both Ministers reaffirmed the warm and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and Malaysia,” it said.

Dr Ng was accompanied by Permanent Secretary (Defence) Chan Heng Kee, Chief of Defence Force Rear-Admiral (RADM) Aaron Beng, Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Khong, Chief of Navy RADM Sean Wat, and other MINDEF officials.

Established in 1991 and held biennially, LIMA is one of the largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific, with this year’s edition involving over 600 exhibitors from more than 30 countries.

The 16th edition event starts today and will end on May 27 with the aerospace-related exhibition held at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre and the maritime segment will be at Resorts World Langkawi.

-- BERNAMA