"The RFI for the single engine fighter is likely to be issued very soon," Dhanoa said addressing a press conference.A request for information is a business process aimed at gathering information on the capabilities of various suppliers.Swedish defence giant Saab and Indian conglomerate Adani group last month had announced a collaboration, mainly eyeing the contract for single-engine jets for the IAF. US defence firm Lockheed Martin is also seen as a major competitor for the deal.Dhanoa said IAF is giving priority to the single engine fighters as the twin-engine fighters will cost more. "Right now, we are concentrating on the single engine so as to make up the numbers with lower cost," he said. Sources said the IAF will start receiving a fresh fleet of 36 Sukhoi jets from 2019.Asked about purchase of tankers for IAF, Dhanoa said, as the RFP for buyinbg them has been withdrawn, the IAF is now upgrading the IL-78 so that it can carry more fuel. "The case is with the ministry of defence.

Source: Times of India October 05, 2017 14:17 UTC