A special highlight during the LIMA 2003 will be the return of the glossy jets of the Red Arrows, the British aerobatics team.

This is the fourth time the Royal Air Force's display team will frighten Langkawi's waterbuffalos into the bushes.

The Red Arrows Malaysia tour is arranged by the United Kingdom Defence Export Services Organisation with BAE Systems as significant sponsors, as in previous years.

The BAE Systems Hawk 100, in service with the Royal Malaysia Air Force, is used to train Malaysia's top fighter pilots.

The Red Arrows left from their home base at RAF Scampton with team leader, Squadron Leader Carl "Spike" Jepson, at the helm.

Jepson, 37, took command of The Red Arrows in November 2001.

He was born in Dhekelia, Cyprus, educated at Silcoates School, Wakefield and joined the Royal Air Force in 1983. His first frontline tour was on the Harrier GR3 with 1(F) Squadron, participating in exercises in Norway, Denmark and the United States.

At the end of his tour, Jepson completed the Qualified Weapons Instructor Course before being posted to IV(AC) Squadron where he displayed the Harrier GR7 for two years.

Jepson has trained from scratch the Royal Saudi Air Force aerobatics team.

On his return to the UK, Jepson again flew the Harrier in peacekeeping missions over the Balkans and operated from HMS Illustrious.

He served as a Flight Commander on 3(F) Squadron, RAF Cottesmore before taking command of The Red Arrows.

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