Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said the ministry expects the number of participating nations to increase.

He said 12 nations will be taking up country pavilions. They are Australia, Belarus, China, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“Turkey, which is known for its defence industry, has the biggest pavilion, measuring 730 sq metres, followed by Russia with 697 sq metres,” he said at a ceremony to recognise Lima ’19 sponsors here today.

Mohamad said Lima ’19 was targeting 60% defence and 40% commercial content.

“A total of 354 defence and commercial companies have confirmed their participation, including 173 international companies,” he said.

He said the Equanimity superyacht will not be on display.

Also present at today’s event were International Trade and Industry Minister Darell Leiking, Deputy Transport Minister Kamaruddin Jaafar and Air Force chief General Affendi Buang.