Finland and Lithuania Plan to Produce Anti-Personnel Mines for Themselves and Ukraine

Finland and Lithuania plan to begin production of anti-personnel mines next year, both for their own defense and to support Ukraine, in response to the growing military threat from Russia.

Reuters reported that both countries have announced their intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the production and use of such mines. Officials say that manufacturing could start once the six-month withdrawal process from the treaty is finalized.

“We will spend hundreds of millions of euros on anti-tank mines, as well as on anti-personnel mines. It will be a significant amount,” Karolis Aleksa, Lithuania’s Deputy Minister of Defense, stated.

According to him, tens of thousands of anti-personnel mines will be ordered – possibly even more.

“One of the sources of supply will be our national industry. Our industry is capable of producing them,” Aleksa assured.

It is noted that once production is up and running, Lithuania will be able to supply mines to other countries, including Ukraine, which has also launched the process of withdrawing from the convention, said Vincas Jurgutis, head of the Lithuanian Defense Industry Association.

Heikki Autto, chairman of the Defense Committee of the Finnish Parliament, stated that Finland must have its own production of anti-personnel mines.

“This is a very effective and cost-efficient weapon system,” he emphasized.

He also noted that Finland could supply anti-personnel mines to Ukraine.

“Supporting Ukraine is not only the right thing to do and our duty, but it is also important for Finland’s own security,” Autto stated.

Finnish defense companies Nammo Lapua, Insta, and Raikka informed the parliamentary defense committee that they are interested in producing mines. Another company, Forcit Explosives, said it is ready to discuss possibilities with the military.