Some simple math shows why.
Inflation has been quite low for years, but even a 2.5 percent annual rate adds up with time. Of course the QDR did scale back planned purchases of several major weapons. In the 40 years from 1951 through 1990, procurement spending averaged about 26 percent of total Pentagon outlays. Its planned buys of weapons may be smaller than in the past, but the basic philosophy is unchanged. Although some weapons like the Joint Strike Fighter, are being designed with cost containment in mind, the Pentagon generally remains committed to an aggressive modernization agenda.