As Pentagon budgets decline sharply, every big weapons contract takes on added importance for military contractors.

Many Government officials say it would be a mistake to start awarding weapons contracts on any basis other than merit and cost.

The iron triangle thrives on lack of competition, which is mainly why so few weapons contracts are truly competitive.

Rajiv Gandhi also sought to contain the political damage from reports of kickbacks in weapons contracts.

Second was the disclosure two weeks ago of new evidence reviving accusations of kickbacks in a $1.3 billion overseas weapons contract.

The investigation is believed to involve a number of weapons contracts, military contracting companies and both Pentagon employees and outside consultants.

Most dimensions make their war profits off munitions and weapons contracts.

Some analysts believe that budget cutbacks will trim military installations next year more than than expensive weapons contracts.

The documents allegedly gave Raytheon an unfair advantage against its competitors in bidding for weapons contracts.

Other big weapons contracts work much like the B-2.