Finland and Lithuania Plan to Resume Domestic Production of Anti-Personnel Mines
Finland and Lithuania have announced plans to start domestic production of anti-personnel mines in the coming year. This decision is aimed at supplying their own armed forces as well as supporting Ukraine, which has also recently taken steps to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention. The move marks a significant shift in military strategy for both countries, as they seek to bolster their defense capabilities amid growing security concerns.
A Strategic Shift in Defense Policy
Both nations have confirmed their intention to leave the Ottawa Convention, an international treaty that prohibits the use, stockpiling, and production of anti-personnel mines. According to the terms of the agreement, a six-month withdrawal period is required before any country can legally resume mine production. This means that Finland and Lithuania could begin manufacturing these weapons by early next year.
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Lithuania’s Deputy Defense Minister, Karolis Aleksa, emphasized the strategic importance of this decision. He stated that the country will invest hundreds of millions of euros into the production of both anti-tank and anti-personnel mines. The scale of the project is expected to be substantial, with tens of thousands of mines planned for production. Local companies are already preparing to meet the anticipated demand.
Vincas Jurgutis, head of the Lithuanian Defense Industry Association, noted that the production of these mines is not only for national defense but also to support Ukraine. The latter country recently announced its own withdrawal from the treaty, signaling a broader regional trend.
National Security and Supply Resilience
For Finland, the decision to produce mines is closely tied to its national security. With the longest border with Russia among NATO members—stretching 1,340 kilometers—the country sees domestic production as essential for maintaining supply resilience. Heikki Autto, chairman of Finland’s parliamentary defense committee, highlighted the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of mine systems. He added that it is both a right and a duty to support Ukraine while also ensuring Finland’s own security.
Before joining the Ottawa Convention in 2011, Finland had over a million anti-personnel mines in its arsenal. Today, several Finnish companies, including Nammo Lapua, Insta, Raikka, and Forcit Explosives, are reportedly preparing to re-enter the production of these weapons.
Regional Implications and Broader Trends
The shift by Finland and Lithuania may not be isolated. Other Eastern European countries, such as Poland, Latvia, and Estonia, are also considering withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention. While these nations have not yet confirmed concrete plans for mine production, there are indications that they are exploring the possibility.
Latvia’s Ministry of Defense mentioned that its metallurgical and defense industries are equipped to ramp up production if needed. Estonia’s Defense Minister, Hanno Pevkur, referred to the idea as “a fallback option.” In Poland, state defense company PGZ SA has stated that it would be ready to produce millions of mines if required. Additionally, private firm ZSP Niewiadów is preparing to resume full-scale mine production by 2027, backed by new investments in facilities.
Poland has also taken practical steps, with designated areas along its eastern border marked for potential mining in the event of war. These areas are positioned between reinforced concrete tank traps, indicating a readiness for conflict.
Emphasis on Defensive Use and Humanitarian Standards
All five countries involved in this shift have stressed that mine production is strictly for defensive purposes. They have committed to not deploying minefields during peacetime, instead storing them for rapid use in emergencies. Officials have also pledged that any future minefields would be clearly marked and mapped to ensure post-conflict clearance in accordance with humanitarian standards.
Russian Response and Geopolitical Tensions
Russia, which is not a signatory to the Ottawa Convention, has long used landmines as part of its military strategy in Ukraine. The Russian ambassador to Helsinki expressed concern over Finland’s decision, warning that the move could create risks for the inhabitants of Finland. The ambassador pointed out that the mines would be placed on Finnish territory, potentially increasing the threat level for civilians.
This development underscores the complex geopolitical landscape in Europe, where military strategies are evolving in response to ongoing conflicts and shifting alliances. As more countries reconsider their stance on landmines, the implications for regional stability and international law remain significant.
