WASHINGTON — Several Republican senators — notably John McCain — said Monday they would oppose a filibuster of former Senator Chuck Hagel’s confirmation as secretary of defense, moving the nominee much closer toward approval.

“I just do not believe a filibuster is appropriate, and I would oppose such a move,” Mr. McCain, a key Republican on military issues, told reporters, adding that he would press his colleagues on the matter. Senators Richard M. Burr of North Carolina and Susan Collins of Maine also said Monday that they would reject a filibuster, as did Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri last week, pushing the number of votes to force confirmation beyond the 60 needed.

Mr. McCain and the others cannot stop a single senator from blocking Mr. Hagel’s nomination from coming to an up-or-down vote, but his statement indicated what Senate Republican aides said Friday: In the event of a filibuster, Mr. Hagel almost certainly will have 60 votes. The Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to send the confirmation to the full Senate on Thursday, most likely along party lines.

The 53 Democrats and two independents who lean Democratic are expected to hold together for Mr. Hagel. Two other Republicans — Senators Mike Johanns of Nebraska and Thad Cochran of Mississippi — have come out for the confirmation of Mr. Hagel, a former Senate Republican from Nebraska.