Lithuania, Finland to launch domestic production of anti-personnel mines

Lithuania and Finland are preparing to begin domestic production of anti-personnel landmines next year to bolster their own defences and support Ukraine, amid heightened concerns over the military threat posed by Russia. Officials from both NATO member states confirmed the move, marking a significant shift in regional security policy.

The two countries, which share borders with Russia, have formally announced plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention — the 1997 international treaty that bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. The decision will allow production to commence after the six-month withdrawal period concludes, Caliber.Az cites Reuters. 

Poland, Latvia, and Estonia — also NATO and EU member states — have similarly declared their intention to exit the treaty, citing escalating threats stemming from Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. While these countries have not announced production plans, officials in Poland and Latvia have indicated they could ramp up manufacturing quickly if needed. Estonia, too, views domestic production as a potential future step.

Ukraine has likewise stated its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, emphasising the need for stronger defensive capabilities against Russia, which is not a signatory to the treaty. Both Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of using anti-personnel mines during the conflict.

The developments in Finland and Lithuania reflect growing fears in Europe that Russia’s military ambitions may extend beyond Ukraine. The moves also align with broader NATO pledges to increase defence spending, in line with calls by US President Donald Trump.

“We are going to spend hundreds of millions of euros on anti-tank mines, but also on anti-personnel mines. It will be a significant amount,” said Lithuanian Deputy Defence Minister Karolis Aleksa in an interview with Reuters.

Tens of thousands of anti-personnel mines are expected to be ordered, Aleksa added, noting that domestic companies would play a central role in supplying them.

“Our national industry will be one of the sources. Our industry can make these,” he said.

Lithuania, which shares a 274-kilometre border with Russia and a 679-kilometre border with Belarus — a close ally of Moscow — is also positioning itself as a supplier for Ukraine.

“Once production is established, Lithuania will be in a position to supply others including Ukraine,” said Vincas Jurgutis, head of Lithuania’s defence industry association.

Finland has, at 1,340 km, a longer border with Russia than any other NATO state.

"Finland must, for security of supply, have its own [anti-landmines] production," Finnish parliament defence committee chair Heikki Autto told Reuters. "They are a highly effective and very cost-efficient weapons system."

Finland could also supply landmines to Ukraine, he said.

By Sabina Mammadli