A Russian Mi-26 heavy transport helicopter performs on rehearsal day for the MAKS-2015, the International Aviation and Space Show, in Zhukovsky, outside Moscow, on August 21, 2015. (AFP Photo)

MOSCOW, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The preliminary tests of the Russian modernized Mi-26T2V heavy military transport helicopter are expected to be completed by the end of the year, local news reported Friday.

"Russian Helicopters expects to complete the preliminary tests of the heavy Mi-26T2V helicopter and begin the joint tests with the government by the end of this year," the Russian helicopter manufacturing company, affiliated with the Russian state-owned industrial and defense conglomerate Rostec, was quoted by Sputnik News Agency as saying.

In July, the manufacturer said that the official tests of the helicopter were planned to be completed in 2019 after which series production was planned to be started.

The upgraded Mi-26T2V helicopter, designed to air-lift equipment, large-sized cargoes and paratroops, has a lifting capacity of 20 tons and the ability to defend itself against various types of missiles.

In August, the helicopter made her maiden flight.