Full Breakdown
Finland's Withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention and Landmine Production Plans
1/15/2026, 6:26:07 AM
Finland's Strategic Shift on Landmines
Finland's military has announced plans to acquire and develop anti-personnel landmines following its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which bans such weapons. This decision, effective January 10, 2026, aligns with similar actions taken by neighboring countries, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, all of which have cited security concerns stemming from Russia's military aggression in Ukraine. Finland's Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen emphasized the importance of maintaining domestic production capabilities for military security, stating, “For Finland’s military security of supply it is important that we maintain domestic production capability under all circumstances.”
Context of the Withdrawal
The Ottawa Convention, established in 1997, prohibits the use, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. Prior to the recent withdrawals, the treaty had 166 state parties. The decision by Finland and its Baltic neighbors to exit the treaty reflects a broader reassessment of defense needs in light of Russia's actions in Ukraine. The Finnish Defense Forces plan to start training military personnel, reservists, and conscripts in the use of landmines immediately, with the goal of having new mines available by 2027.
Implications of Landmine Production
The Finnish military's strategy includes collaboration with the domestic defense industry to develop technologically advanced landmines. Col. Riku Mikkonen, inspector of engineers for the army command, clarified that Finland does not intend to deploy these mines during peacetime, stating, “We will use mines only in emergency conditions.” This approach underscores a significant shift in Finland's defense posture, as the country seeks to bolster its military capabilities along its extensive border with Russia, which spans over 1,300 kilometers (800 miles).
Criticism and Opposition
The withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention has drawn criticism from various international observers and humanitarian organizations. At a recent meeting of Mine Ban Treaty states-parties, UN officials expressed concern that the treaty risks losing its effectiveness due to these withdrawals. Prince Mired Raad Zeid Al-Hussein, the special envoy to the convention, warned that the situation represents a setback for global disarmament efforts. Critics argue that the indiscriminate nature of landmines poses significant humanitarian risks, overshadowing any claimed military utility.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Finland's decision aligns with its national security strategy, there are conflicting perspectives on the implications of such actions. Some delegations at the Geneva meeting acknowledged the security concerns of withdrawing states, while others emphasized the humanitarian impact of landmines. Additionally, Ukraine's recent suspension of its obligations under the treaty has raised questions about compliance and the future of international disarmament efforts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For Finland’s military security of supply it is important that we maintain domestic production capability under all circumstances,” — Antti Hakkanen, Defense Minister of Finland
- “We will use mines only in emergency conditions,” — Col. Riku Mikkonen, Inspector of Engineers for the Army Command
Finland's decision to produce anti-personnel landmines marks a significant shift in its defense policy, reflecting broader regional security concerns amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
