They say that India is in talks with Burma about supplying its Advanced Light Helicopter, ALH, which contains components and technology from as many as six EU countries, including Britain.
In a report, Amnesty International, Saferworld, and 14 other organisations in Europe say they have learned from credible sources that the Indian government is planning to supply the helicopter to Burma. They say the case highlights the urgent need for stricter EU arms controls.
The helicopter contains British fuel tanks and gearboxes, rocket launchers from Belgium, rockets, guns and engines from France, brake systems from Italy, and protection equipment from Sweden, and is based on designs drawn up by German companies, says the report.
It says British companies involved include FPT Industries, part of GKN Aerospace Services Ltd. The company told the human rights groups that it had supplied equipment, including fuel tanks, for the ALH but that these were subject to end-use certificates stipulating that they would not be re-exported.
Helen Hughes, of Amnesty International, said: "Greater attention has to be given to the end-use agreements and the re-export of components from EU member states. Otherwise, these states could find themselves indirectly propping up a brutal regime."
The human rights groups call on the EU to consult immediately with the Indian government.
