Pentagon to ask for an extra $42bn for wars

The US defence secretary, Robert Gates, will today ask Congress to approve nearly $190bn (£95bn) for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2008, increasing initial projections by more than a third.

In remarks prepared for a Senate hearing, Mr Gates says the extra money is necessary to buy vehicles that can protect troops against roadside bombs, refurbish equipment worn down by combat and consolidate US bases in Iraq.

A copy of the remarks was obtained by the Associated Press.

In prepared testimony, Mr Gates said, "I know that Iraq and other difficult choices America faces in the war on terror will continue to be a source of friction within the Congress, between the Congress and the president and in the wider public debate."

"Considering this, I would like to close with a word about something I know we can all agree on - the honour, courage and great sense of duty we have witnessed in our troops since September 11."

In February, George Bush requested $141.7bn (£78.5bn) for the wars. Officials said at the time the figure was only a rough estimate and could climb.

In July, the defence department asked Congress for another $5.3bn (£2.65bn) to buy 1,500 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

Mr Gates says another $42bn (£21bn) is needed to cover additional requirements. The extra money includes:

· $11bn (£5.5bn) to field another 7,000 MRAP vehicles in addition to the 8,000 already planned.

· $9bn (£4.5bn) to reconstitute equipment and technology.

· $6bn (£3bn) for training and equipment of troops.

· $1bn (£500m) to improve US facilities in the region and consolidate bases in Iraq.

· $1bn (£500m) to train and equip Iraqi security forces.