His request includes $75.5 billion for 2009 to send more US troops to Afghanistan, the TV network reported, citing unnamed defense officials.

Spending for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for fiscal year 2010, which begins in October, will be included in Obama's Pentagon budget request expected to be announced on Thursday, CNN said.

The US military's budget for fiscal year 2009, excluding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, stands at $515 billion, the Pentagon said.

When the estimated cost of both wars is added, total defense spending is roughly $650 billion for fiscal year 2009.

For 2008, total spending including the wars reached $670 billion. -- AFP