(AFP) Organisers today said Malaysia's defence exhibition was gathering momentum despite some last-minute pull-outs amid mounting concerns of an imminent stike by the United States on Afghanistan.

During the six-day Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA 2001) exhibition from October 9 some 30 warships along with pleasure crafts and 96 aircraft would be displayed, they said.

"LIMA 2001 is already a success. The big players in the aviation industry are participating in a bigger way in terms of booth size," said Mohamad Radzi Manan, executive chairman of Le Proton.

No Thunderbirds

"For instance 12 US companies signed to participate. But after the Sept 11 terror attacks only two pulled out."

Organisers said despite reduced US participation, some 400 exhibitors from 26 countries are participating in the aerospace segment while some 270 companies are involved in the maritime side.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad would declare open the defence hardware display-cum-exhibition on Tuesday - ranked as one of the world's leading air and maritime shows.

Among the countries participating in the event are: Australia, Belgium, China, India, Italy, France, Germany, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, Switzerland and the US.

Mohamad Radzi, who is in charge of the aerospace exhibition, said visitors to the biennial show would not be able to witness the US airforce Thunderbirds aerobatics show. "They are not coming," he said.

But visitors would be able to see fighter jets from Malaysia in action and the Red Arrows aerobatics team from Britain, comprising 11 Hawk 100 aircraft.

US, Australia and Pakistan pull out

Organisers said the US, Australia and Pakistan navies have pulled out from the maritime event due to the developments in Afghanistan but described overall participation in the maritime event as a "good response."

"They have pulled out. Because of that we lose some tours on board aircraft carriers and to see the submarines," one official told AFP .

Lieutenant Commander Mohamad Isa Yahya said in terms of preparations, organisers are ready for the opening and anticipate a "large crowd" at the exhibition.

Several Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) are expected to be inked on the sidelines of the event.

Radzi said several MOUs related to the aerospace segment were expected to be signed and several new products would be launched.

HW Lima Sdn Bhd Executive Director Syed Mohamad Feisal Syed Hussain said the MOUs involved joint ventures among the government, local and foreign companies including local institutions of higher learning.

"We expect more than 10 MOUs to be signed involving efforts to foster closer cooperation in terms of supplying and manufacturing products as well as maritime research," he was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency recently. HW Lima organises the maritime segment.