South Africa's controversial multibillion-rand arms deal has finally yielded results after almost six years.

An originally Italian arms company, Agusta, tasked by Armscor to build 30 high-tech helicopters for the South African Air Force (SAAF), delivered its first helicopter during a ceremony at the Bloemspruit Air Force Base in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

Among the people who were not disappointed by the air display included Armscor chairperson Popo Molefe, SAAF Lieutenant-General Carlo Gagiano, South African National Defence Force chief of acquisition Bruce Ramfolo, Italian ambassador to South Africa Valerio Astraldi and SANDF secretary of defence January Simelane.

"South Africa is the first country to contract Agusta for this type of helicopter, with its unique specifications," Molefe said.

"Sweden and Malaysia followed, buying the helicopter with the same configuration defined by South Africa."

Gagiano and his team were over the moon about the acquisition.

By the end of this year, South Africa will have 10 similar helicopters, with the last batch expected in 2007.

Gagiano said SA's increased participation in peace efforts on the continent and distribution of aid to neighbouring countries had necessitated the need for advanced helicopters.

With acknowledgements to Baldwin Ndaba and The Star.