WASHINGTON, July 17 (Xinhua) -- The Pentagon told Congress on Tuesday that it wants to divert 1.3 billion U.S. dollars from other defense programs to buy more new vehicles thought to better protect troops in Iraq.

    Secretary of Defense Robert Gates plans to submit a formal request on the issue to the Congress.

    Gates said purchase of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles is a top defense purchase priority.

    The MRAP, which cost about 1 million dollars each, has a unique V-shaped hull that deflects blasts outward and away from passengers.

    U.S. military experts believe it could better protect its troops from roadside bombs, the top killer of U.S. soldiers in Iraq.

    Army officials have said they may need as many as 17,700 MRAPs and the Marines want 3,700.

    But the final number to be bought will depend on the changing conditions in the war, feedback from commanders and any possible changes in the military mission in Iraq.