The Democratic Alliance has asked for parliament to be reconvened, in special session, to debate what it calls the "secret arms deal" to acquire the fleet of transport aircraft.

"The government must not be allowed to spend taxpayers' money in a new arms deal which apparently has not followed standard procurement procedures, has not been put out to tender and has not been considered by parliament," DA leader Tony Leon said yesterday.

"It is vital that parliament debates the merits and procedures of this highly unorthodox and expensive arms deal."

The DA wanted to know, among other things, why the deal was "conducted in such secrecy", Leon said.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and The Star.