In a sharp reminder that geopolitical conflicts can ripple far beyond their immediate theaters, the Indian Air Force has formally withdrawn its elite Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team from the upcoming Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA 2025). Though geographically distant from South Asia, Southeast Asia is now witnessing the strategic fallout of the ongoing India-Pakistan hostilities.
Malaysia’s Defence Minister, Mohamed Khaled Nordin, confirmed the decision in a press briefing earlier this week, stating that India had initially committed to participating in LIMA 2025’s aerial displays but later rescinded. He cited India’s domestic and regional military commitments in light of the “current situation and challenges the country is facing.”
The withdrawal highlights how armed tensions—particularly between nuclear-armed neighbours—can affect international diplomatic engagements, even those designed for non-combat collaboration such as LIMA.
India’s decision follows a tense period marked by fluctuating ceasefire conditions and aerial confrontations with Pakistan, especially in sensitive zones like Kashmir and Punjab. Both nations have ramped up their aerial surveillance and quick-reaction alert levels, prompting the Indian Air Force to redirect its resources to strategic defense readiness rather than international appearances.
While India’s absence is notable, LIMA 2025 will still feature an impressive lineup of aerial performers. The Russian Knights, representing the Russian Aerospace Forces, are set to headline the event, showcasing their signature routines with Su-30SM and Su-35S fighters. Indonesia’s Jupiter Aerobatic Team and the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) frontline Su-30MKM and F/A-18D Hornet jets will also take part, ensuring the skies over Langkawi remain filled with sonic power and precision.
Held biennially in Langkawi, Malaysia, LIMA has evolved into one of the Asia-Pacific region’s premier defense exhibitions. With maritime and aviation segments, it serves not only as a technology showcase but also as a strategic signaling platform. LIMA 2025 is set to be one of the largest editions yet, hosting 57 aircraft in total—43 of them as static displays, representing a mix of Malaysian and international platforms.
The 2025 edition will see 26 Malaysian aircraft alongside 17 from other nations, including Germany, Italy, Canada, Singapore, Russia, and the U.S. In addition, commercial airframes from Brazil, France, Italy, and India will be displayed. Despite India’s aerial demonstration withdrawal, its aviation industry will still be represented on the ground.
The maritime component is equally robust. A total of 31 naval vessels are expected, up from 19 in the 2023 edition. Malaysia will contribute 19 ships, while the remaining 12 come from regional allies including Singapore, Indonesia, and the United States. In total, 39 maritime assets will participate in dynamic demonstrations.
The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), often dubbed the “ambassadors of the Indian Air Force,” was established in 1996 and quickly became a symbol of India’s aviation prowess. Operating under No. 52 Squadron “The Sharks,” the team originally flew the HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 before transitioning to the BAE Hawk Mk.132—a more modern, agile aircraft better suited for advanced aerobatics.
Surya Kiran is known for its tight nine-aircraft formations and complex aerial choreography, underlined by vibrant orange-and-white liveries and synchronized smoke trails. The team has performed more than 500 shows across 72 locations worldwide, including past editions of LIMA and major airshows in Singapore, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and China.
Their performances are more than just displays—they are instruments of soft power, enhancing India’s diplomatic profile through flight. In 2004, Surya Kiran became the first IAF unit to receive the Chief of Air Staff Unit Citation. But the job is not without risk. The team has suffered tragic incidents, including fatal crashes in 2006 and a mid-air collision in 2019.
Despite the current setback, Surya Kiran’s reputation remains untarnished. Their motto, “Sadaiva Sarvōttama” or “Always the Best,” continues to reflect their dedication to aerial excellence.
With India stepping back, the Russian Knights are poised to become the aerial showstoppers of LIMA 2025. Known for their breathtaking precision and use of unmodified combat aircraft, the Knights will bring the formidable Su-30SM and Su-35S fighters to the event. These aircraft are capable of supermaneuverability, thanks to thrust-vectoring engines and advanced radar systems.
Founded in 1991, the Russian Knights operate from Kubinka Air Base near Moscow and serve as a mobile symbol of Russia’s aerospace capabilities. Their signature maneuver—the “Kubinka Diamond”—involves tight formations at high speeds, often executed with minimal separation between aircraft. It is a visual metaphor for discipline, danger, and geopolitical muscle.
While airshows like LIMA are typically stages for defense commerce and public spectacle, the withdrawal of a key participant due to regional conflict is a sobering reminder of how interlinked global security dynamics have become. India’s absence in the air, despite maintaining its commercial presence, signals a prioritization of real-world military readiness over symbolic engagement.
Malaysia’s government, however, remains confident in LIMA 2025’s success. Minister Mohamed Khaled emphasized the breadth and depth of this year’s participation, noting the event’s resilience and continued relevance in the face of changing geopolitical landscapes.
For Southeast Asia, the broader message is clear: regional events are no longer insulated from far-off conflicts. India’s reassessment of its military commitments reflects a larger recalibration of national priorities in the face of border tensions. It also casts a spotlight on ASEAN’s strategic importance as a middle ground between global power blocs.
As the region continues to navigate a complex web of alliances, defense procurement, and strategic diplomacy, events like LIMA offer both opportunity and challenge. The exhibition becomes more than a trade show—it’s a barometer of regional stability, cooperation, and deterrence.
Though Surya Kiran will not grace Langkawi’s skies in 2025, their legacy endures. Their withdrawal underscores a difficult but necessary choice for a military force on heightened alert. Meanwhile, the show goes on—with other world-class teams ready to fill the vacuum.
LIMA 2025, despite this shift, remains a vital platform for showcasing Southeast Asia’s growing aerospace and maritime influence. It is a powerful stage where the boundaries between diplomacy, defense, and demonstration continue to blur.
