He would veto funding for a second engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, U. S. President Barack Obama said on Friday.

His pledge came after the House voted 231-193 to approve a $726 billion defense spending plan that would retain $485 million for the second engine program.

He joined Defense Secretary Robert Gates in opposition to the alternate engine, made by General Electric-Rolls Royce, and to the purchase of more Boeing Co. C-17 cargo planes, Obama said in a statement on Friday.

Obama said, "Our military does not want or need these programs being pushed by the Congress, and should Congress ignore this fact, I will veto any such legislation so that it can be returned to me without those provisions."

The Hill has reported that the Office of Management and Budget also included a veto threat in a statement of administration policy issued on Thursday.

The Washington publication also reported that supporters of the second engine say it's necessary for the F-35 program and argue a backup engine would be useful if there's a problem with the primary engine. Competition between GE-Rolls Royce and Pratt and Whitney, maker of the primary engine, could save money over the life of the program, they further say.

The report also noted that the GE-Rolls Royce Engine has already cost the Defense Department about $2 billion and the White House predicts it will cost $2.4 million more. (With Inputs from Agencies)