China and Russia formed a strategic partnership back in 2001, signing a so-called "friendship treaty". Ever since, they have seen a significant increase in military and high-tech cooperation. Their latest project is the development of a new helicopter, known as the Advanced Heavy Lifter. It will be manufactured in China, with the help of Russian companies. CGTN's Aljosa Milenkovic has more from Moscow.

A test flight of its new Mi-26T2V for media representatives at the Mil helicopter plant in Tomilino near Moscow.

The aircraft is the latest version of the world's largest operating helicopter. It can lift up to 20 tons of cargo, and its maximum take-off weight is 56 tons. The helicopter enjoys the latest engineering and technological features, which Russian experts have agreed to share with their Chinese colleagues.

SERGEY OSTAPENKO ADVISER TO GENERAL DIRECTOR, RUSSIAN HELICOPTERS "We have the world's largest heavy-lift helicopter, Mi-26, which we periodically modernize. It can carry 20 tons and no helicopter in the world can compete with it. So, the Russian experience in creating that kind of helicopters is one of a kind in the world. That's why the Chinese asked us for joint cooperation and we'll develop the transmission technology for the new helicopter."

The Aviation Industry Corporation of China will be in charge of designing and manufacturing the aircraft.

It will be assembled in China, with engines coming from Ukraine and the transmission technology provided by Russia.

With its lift capacity of up to 15 tons, the aircraft will be smaller than the Russian super heavy Mi-26 and larger than the medium Mi-17.

It can, therefore, satisfy China's demand for a helicopter of that size and capacity since no other helicopter can do that at this time.

IGOR KOROTCHENKO DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR ANALYSIS OF WORLD WEAPONS TRADE "Firstly, China is interested in that project and in the framework of technology transfer, we are helping our Chinese friends to gain certain experience and competencies. Secondly, it is a commercial project with export potential which allows our aircraft companies to enter the global market."

A scaled model of the new AHL was first unveiled to the public during the 2018 China Air Show.

According to Rostec, the Russian state-owned corporation in charge of the deal, it is expected that the final agreement is signed between Russia and China in the next few months.

ALJOSA MILENKOVIC MOSCOW "Both Beijing and Moscow are counting on long-term partnerships in many projects. The heavy-lift helicopter is one of those. The first joint Sino-Russian aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2032, which is 13 years from now. That is a clear sign of how strong the strategic partnership is between the two countries."

Aljosa Milenkovic, CGTN, Moscow.