Australia’s defence industry out in force at Malaysia’s LIMA expo

Australian’s world-leading defence, maritime and aerospace businesses are showcasing local technologies at the 16th International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA). The exhibition opens on 23 May in Langkawi, Malaysia.

LIMA is one of the most important regional exhibitions and conferences. It focusses on military and defence solutions. This year’s event is the first in the post-pandemic period.

Australia’s delegation will showcase some of Australia's premier defence, maritime and aerospace innovations. It creates opportunities to present our advanced solutions globally, initiate new partnerships, solidify existing relationships and adapt to global sector trends.

Major regional event for defence, maritime and aerospace

An expected 600 companies from 30 countries will exhibit at LIMA with over 400 separate delegations visiting to participate in commercial discussions. Trade and business visitor registrations should number over 45,000.

The LIMA exhibition attracts high ranking military representatives from countries across the region, the Middle East and Europe. It also attracts procurement specialists from the defence, aerospace and maritime sectors for both military and civilian applications.

Malaysian Government authorities – in customs, the coast guard and civil aviation – will also have representatives in attendance.

Team Defence Australia heads up 2023 presence

This year’s Australian delegation is coordinated by Team Defence Australia (TDA). It consists of leading hardware and software suppliers across multiple fields, including:

• vehicle engineering and suspension solutions
• robotics
• imaging
• communications
• drone and optical solutions
• engine maintenance and engineering solutions
• training and simulation technologies.

Rear Admiral Pete Quinn (Royal Australian Navy) will lead the Australian delegation. This will include the AMDA Foundation Limited – a foundation that promotes Australia’s aerospace, defence, maritime and security industry – and 17 commercial entities.

Mick Summers, Southeast Asia Defence and Security Director, for the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), says Australia's participation in this year's LIMA event is pivotal.

‘This event is instrumental in boosting Australia's global competitiveness, reinforcing our trade connections, and supporting the growth of our national industries,’ he says.

Five Power Defence Arrangements

Malaysia and Australia have strong defence ties. The defence relationship between Australia and Malaysia continues to develop under the auspices of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) and the Malaysia Australia Joint Defence Program.

Malaysia also hosts an ongoing Australian Defence Force presence at Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth. These long-standing links form the foundation of continuing close defence cooperation between Australia and Malaysia.

Advisors report significant opportunities for greater commercial collaboration between businesses that are active in defence, aerospace, border security and maritime applications.

Australian participants

Participating Australian organisations include:

• Advanced Navigation: Develops navigation, subsea acoustic and robotics systems for air, land, sea and space.
• AMDA Foundation Limited: Promotes the development of Australia’s industrial, manufacturing and information/communications technology resources in the aviation, aerospace, maritime, defence and security sectors.
• Applied Virtual Simulation (AVS): Leading provider of individual and collective simulation-based training systems, as well as 3D models and mapping of real-world terrain.
• AVT Australia: Creates lightweight, gyro-stabilised imaging systems for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition operations.
• Callington Haven: Specialty chemicals developer, manufacturer and marketer for the aviation and industry.
• Cistech Solution: Radio-over-IP and network services integrator.
• Jet Aviation Australia: Specialises in delivery, integration and repair facilities for modified commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) aircraft into military service.
• MacTaggart Scott Australia (MTSA): Specialises in the design, production and support of mechanical handling equipment for naval vessels.
• Micro-X: Specialists in defence x-ray and carbon nanotube technology.
• Moog Australia: Developers of military motion control and electronic solutions.
• Pedders Suspension & Brakes: Specialises in the design, manufacturing, distribution and fitment of aftermarket undercar parts.
• Rosebank Engineering: Aircraft component manufacturing and sustainment solutions.
• Sentient Vision Systems: Developer of computer vision and artificial intelligence software solutions for defence and civil applications.
• Sixarms: Provider of drone technology solutions within the broadcast, telecommunications and defence RF environments.
• School of Information Operations (SOIO): Defence capabilities training and consultancy provider. Provides specialised training, education and consulting regarding defence, space and maritime operations.
• SYPAQ Systems: Engineering and systems integration across defence, government and industry.
• TAE Aerospace: Provides products and services across aerospace engineering, manufacturing, turbine engine and component MRO, and fire protection.
• Trakka Systems: Develops searchlight, gyrostabilized camera systems and optical technologies, and augmented-reality mapping/video systems.

More information

For more information on how your company can access opportunities across Southeast Asia markets contact Michael Summers, Defence and Security Director, Austrade Singapore michael.summers@austrade.gov.au

For Malaysia and Brunei, contact Juliana Badli, Senior Business Development Manager juliana.badli@austrade.gov.au

Team Defence Australia

Team Defence Australia is the premier national platform for export-capable Australian defence and dual-use companies. It helps companies showcase their goods, services, technology and solutions at international trade events. It is part of the Australian Defence Export Office.

Team Defence Australia works with the defence industry, the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS), Austrade, and state and territory governments to help prepare Australian delegations’ attendance at overseas trade shows and ensure they maximise their international exposure.