THE government will spend 20% less than originally planned on its arms procurement programme. Defence Minister Patrick Lekota told SABC radio news that the proposed R29-billion resupply programme for the SA National Defence Force will be slashed by between R5-billion and R6-billion. Lekota said the reduction will be achieved through renegotiating deals with suppliers, and that it will not materially affect the contents of the package. In June, chief arms negotiator Jayendra Naidoo said some of the purchases would have to be postponed due to lack of funds. However, this was prevented by the success of the renegotiation, Lekota said. The resupply programme includes the supply of three submarines, six strike craft, four corvettes, 44 helicopters, 24 fighter trainer aircraft and 28 advanced light fighter aircraft.