European Union and American companies are unwittingly involved in the production of military helicopters likely to be sold to Burma, whose regime is accused of systematic human rights abuse, according to a new report. Human rights groups say the proposed deal, in which the aircraft are supplied through a third party, India, severely undermines an international embargo on supplying arms to Burma.
Companies from the US, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Sweden, as well as the UK, have been involved in the manufacture of the Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) for the Indian army in conjunction with the Indian conglomerate Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The British connection, says the study, is through the firms APPH Hydraulics and FPT Industries Ltd, a part of GKN Aerospace Services Ltd.
| The government in Delhi is close to agreeing to a Burmese request for the helicopters following the supply of maritime surveillance aircraft. |
The Indian Foreign Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, recently said that there was likely to be a "favourable response" to Burmese requests for further military assistance. Defence analysts say that in addition to the attack helicopter, this may include tanks, artillery, small arms and radar.
| The move by the Indian government follows Burma's offer to help in combating insurgency from the country into north-east India. |
The closer military co-operation between India and Burma has already led to criticism by Indian human rights groups. Burmese armed forces have been repeatedly accused by the UN and US of engaging in atrocities against civilians including unlawful killings, abductions, torture and rape.
The European Union imposed an arms embargo on Burma in 1988 which has been subsequently renewed on several occasions, the latest in 2006. The sanctions are legally binding and require all EU states to implement and enforce them.
The US imposed an arms embargo on Burma in 1993 and although it is not considered to be as comprehensive as the European one, it contains regulations concerning the movement of military technology from the US through a third country.