SAF Participates in the Biennial Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is participating in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2017 (LIMA 17) from 21 to 25 March 2017 at the invitation of the Malaysian government. The SAF's participation includes a Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Formidable-class stealth frigate RSS Tenacious for the maritime display, one F-15SG fighter aircraft and one AH-64D Apache helicopter from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) for the static display, and involves about 110 SAF personnel. This is the first time the F-15SG is participating in LIMA.

The RSN's Detachment Commander for LIMA 17, Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Au Yong Kok Phai shared that, "The crew of RSS Tenacious is glad and honoured to be given the opportunity to represent the RSN at LIMA 17. Our participation and our regular interactions with the Royal Malaysian Navy is a good testament of our strong cooperation and defence relations with our Malaysian counterparts. We look forward to participate in the future LIMA exhibitions."

The RSAF's Detachment Commander for LIMA 17, LTC Goh Sim Aik shared that, "We are appreciative of Malaysia's invitation for us to participate in this year's LIMA. This is also the first time our F-15SG multi-role fighter aircraft is participating in this international event. We see this as an excellent opportunity to share our Air Force experiences and to interact with the local public. Our participation in LIMA also reflects the warm and long-standing bilateral relations between the two Air Forces."

Second Minister for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung, who was in Langkawi for LIMA 17, interacted with the SAF personnel participating in the exhibition. Mr Ong was accompanied by Permanent Secretary for Defence Mr Chan Yeng Kit, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim, Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lai Chung Han and Chief of Air Force Major-General Mervyn Tan.

Earlier in the day, Mr Ong also met with the Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, the Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi and Minister of Defence Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, and other foreign counterparts.

The SAF's participation in LIMA since 2001 underscores the warm and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and Malaysia. The SAF and the Malaysian Armed Forces share a long history of mutually beneficial cooperation, including at multilateral fora like the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus. The two armed forces interact regularly through bilateral and multilateral exercises, visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses. These interactions have contributed significantly towards deepening the mutual understanding and camaraderie among the personnel of both armed forces.