The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2015 (LIMA'15) saw a total of RM9.3 billion worth of contracts, memoranda of understanding (MoU), letters of acceptance (LOA) and letters of Intent (LOI) signed today.

Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, who announced this on the final day today for LIMA'15 trade delegations, said the value was higher than the RM4.2 billion at the previous edition of LIMA.

LIMA'15 will open its doors for the public for two days starting tomorrow.

"This represents a jump of approximately 12.1 per cent, indicating that LIMA throughout the years has continued to provide the ideal platform for maritime and aerospace businesses regionally and globally," he told the media at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) here.

According to him, LIMA'15 was much better than the previous editions as it involved greater participation of the commercial sector instead of just the military.

Participation of the commercial sector at this edition of LIMA saw a five to 10 per cent rise, he said, adding that there was much room for improvement in the next edition in 2017.

Among the notable contracts, MoU, LOA and LOI signed by the Defence Ministry was that with Thales Optronique of France for the supply of articles, services and technical assistance pertaining to the optronic avionics and communication equipment of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) SU-30MK.

The contract with Destini Prima Sdn Bhd was for the supply of parts and services for the life raft and life jacket owned by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).

The Defence Ministry also signed an MoU with Petronas on the handover of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system to the Malaysian Armed Forces and an LOA with MTU Services (M) Sdn Bhd for the supply and delivery of spare parts, maintenance and training of MTU engines, sub-assemblies, components and
electronics monitoring system for the RMN.

An LOA was also signed with Zetro Services Sdn Bhd for the maintenance of air defence radar system and associated support equipment as well as an LOI for the maintenance of ground electronics equipment for the air traffic control system and accessories.

Destination Marine Services Sdn Bhd also signed an LOI with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for the supply and delivery of six units of patrol vessels.

The Defence Ministry also signed an LOA with Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd for the supply and delivery of spare parts, maintenance, integrated logistics support and training for the 17th patrol vessel squadron for the RMN.

BHIC Bofors Asia Sdn Bhd signed an LOA for the supply and delivery of spare parts, services, maintenance and training of Bofors cannon 57mm for RMN, while Thales Raytheon System inked an LOA for the maintenance contract for the Malaysian Air Defence Environment Sector Operation Centre 3 (MADGE SOC 3).

Seven contract documents were inked today between the Defence Ministry and various companies, besides the five MoU, eight LOA and six LOI, he said.