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Lithuania and Finland Plan Anti-Personnel Mine Production for Ukraine, Reuters Reports
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Lithuania and Finland are preparing to launch domestic production of anti-personnel landmines next year, aiming to bolster their own defenses and supply Ukraine in response to what they view as a growing military threat from Russia.
Officials from both countries confirmed to Reuters on July 9 that they intend to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, a 1997 international treaty banning the use of anti-personnel mines. The decision, which will take effect following a six-month withdrawal process, would clear the way for the resumption of mine production on their soil.
“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 Defense Minister Karolis Aleksa.
He confirmed that Lithuania plans to order tens of thousands of such mines, potentially more.
Once domestic production is operational, Lithuania aims to become a supplier not only for its own military but also for Ukraine.
Once domestic production is up and running, Lithuania will be able to supply anti-personnel mines to other countries—including Ukraine — said Vincas Jurgutis, head of the Lithuanian Defense Industry Association.
Finland is also preparing to reintroduce mine production. Heikki Autto, chair of the Finnish Parliament’s Defense Committee, emphasized the need for sovereign capabilities in this field.
Autto reiterated Finland’s readiness to support Ukraine: “It is not only right and our duty to support Ukraine, it is also important for Finland's own security.”
Several Finnish defense companies—including Nammo Lapua, Insta, Raikka, and Forcit Explosives—have signaled interest in launching mine production. Forcit stated it is open to consultations with the military on the matter.
Earlier, it was reported that Ukraine is advancing plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention — the key international treaty that bans the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel landmines.
