President Thabo Mbeki has stood firm against critics of the arms deal, saying the government will continue with its controversial multi-billion rand procurement package.

In his opening of Parliament address on Friday - in which he avoided any mention of the word arms - the president said the deal was necessary so that "we stay true to our commitment to peace on the continent and other defence functions".

The government would continue with its programme to equip the national defence force in line with policies of the country adopted by its elected representatives, he said.