Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu says government is due a nearly R3bn refund from Airbus.

Sisulu briefed Parliament’s Defence Committee on government’s decision to terminate the acquisition of eight heavy-lift military aircraft on Thursday.

MPs lauded Sisulu for what some called the “brave decision to terminate the controversial military Airbus contract”.

She told MPs provision was made for government to get a refund should Airbus fail to comply with the timeframe set out in the contract.

R2.9bn in taxpayers’ funds has already been paid.

Sisulu said she had assembled a team of lawyers to help government get the money back.

The money will be paid to the National Treasury but she hopes to persuade cabinet to let her department retain the funds.