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Finnish Government Moves to Reinstate Anti-Personnel Mines to Boost Defense Capabilities

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Amira Barkhush
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Finnish Government Moves to Reinstate Anti-Personnel Mines to Boost Defense Capabilities
A soldier wearing the Finnish flag on his sleeve speaks to the media, as members of the Finnish arctic expert Jaeger Brigade train British, Swiss and French troops on November 19, 2024 near Heinujarvi, Finland. (Source: Getty Images)

Finland has initiated preparations to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.

This decision was announced by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, as reported by Yle.

According to him, the proposal is based on advice and assessments from military officials. As Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen states, the idea of withdrawing from the convention is unanimously supported in the defense sector.

“The return of anti-personnel mines will enhance Finland’s defense capabilities. They are an economically effective weapon for protecting against criminals and are well-suited for Finland’s terrain. For our conscript army, they are easy to use, convenient to maintain, and reliable,” Häkkänen asserts.

The proposal is also supported by many parliamentarians. According to a survey conducted by Yle, out of 117 Finnish lawmakers, 91 support withdrawing from the agreement, 12 oppose it, and 14 were unable to answer.

Additionally, Finland plans to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2029. As Finance Minister Riikka Purra noted, this represents an increase of approximately three billion euros. Alongside this, the country will begin a reform of its land forces.

On April 1, Finnish President Alexander Stubb wrote that Finland will increase its defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2029 to protect itself from potential Russian aggression.

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