New Delhi: Finland is planning to acquire one million anti-personnel landmines at an estimated cost of 100 million euros ($112 million), as it prepares
for potential security threats from neighbouring Russia. The move comes after Finland withdrew from an international treaty banning the weapons, citing a worsening security environment following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Helsinki wants Finnish companies to manufacture the mines, with contracts expected to be signed by the end of 2027 and production targeted to begin in 2028. However, purchasing the weapons from abroad has not been ruled out.
Why Finland is turning to landmines
Finland shares a roughly 1,340-km border with Russia and has strengthened its defences since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has described Russia as a long-term threat. Helsinki has also accused Moscow of using migration as a tool of pressure along their shared border.
The proposed procurement reflects wider security concerns among countries on NATO’s eastern flank, which have been reassessing their military preparedness amid fears of possible Russian provocations.
Finland, Baltic nations withdraw from landmine treaty
Finland announced its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention in April 2025, and the decision took effect in January 2026. The treaty, which Finland joined in 2012, prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines.
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have also withdrawn, citing security concerns linked to Russia. The decisions mark a shift away from a key international agreement intended to reduce the humanitarian harm caused by landmines, which can remain dangerous long after fighting ends.
Meanwhile, Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has urged European Union countries to stop issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens while the war in Ukraine continues. Finland already halted such visas in 2022.
