Cape Town - Deputy defence minister Mluleki George has dismissed Democratic Alliance claims the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) faces a crisis in its combat readiness.

Speaking in the national assembly on Thursday, DA MP Rafeek Shah said media reports of a crisis in the combat readiness of the SANDF were cause for great concern.

"Just as we have warned for years, the cost of the arms deal is placing an unbearable burden of the operational capacity of the SANDF.

"The result of the government's misplaced priorities is that the SANDF may be unable to repel a serious conventional threat to South Africa's territorial integrity," Shah said.

In his response, George said the report, "which was leaked by the DA out of a closed (defence) portfolio committee meeting, was completely exaggerated".

"The impression that is created is that the defence force is not capable of doing its core business; that is defending the sovereignty of this country and the people of this country," he said.

South Africa and its defence force were viewed by all African countries as one of the best trained and best ready to defend, not only its borders, but also ensure there was peace on the continent.

Constraints

"So for anybody to create the impression that the defence force cannot defend the people of the country is irresponsible."

It was true constraints and cuts in the SANDF's budget had affected some capabilities - but these had nothing to do with the arms deal, according to the deputy minister.

"In fact, the arms deal has helped us to be ready to defend this country."

The decision to buy the new defence equipment was the correct one.

Despite budget constraints, the defence force was able to "manage and control".

"So there is no crisis in the country, and I want to say the people of the country must be assured that the defence force ... will defend at any time when it is called upon," George said.

In a statement later on Thursday, Shah denied the DA had leaked the report on the combat readiness of the defence force.

"The DA's conclusion about the crisis facing the SANDF is based on information gathered from numerous briefings and oversight visits, including but not limited to the closed briefing in question," Shah said.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and News24.