Finland Exits Landmine Ban Treaty, Plans to Acquire One Million Mines

Finland officially withdrew from the Ottawa Treaty, also known as the Mine Ban Treaty, on January 10, 2026, marking a significant shift in its defense policy[1][2]. The country's decision to exit the treaty enables it to reintroduce anti-personnel landmines into its military arsenal, with plans to acquire up to one million mines[1][3].

This move by Helsinki signals a new approach to national security in the face of a perceived deteriorating security environment and the ongoing military threat posed by Russia. The reintroduction of these weapons could alter defense strategies along Finland's eastern border and impact regional security dynamics.

What the records show

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced the government's intention to prepare for withdrawal from the Mine Ban Treaty on April 1, 2025[3]. Finland formally notified the United Nations, the treaty's depositary, of its withdrawal on July 10, 2025[2][5]. According to the treaty's rules, withdrawal takes effect six months after the UN Secretary-General receives official notice[2][11]. This timeline led to the official effective date of January 10, 2026[2][5]. The Finnish Parliament approved the government's proposal to withdraw on June 19, 2025, with 157 votes in favor and 18 against[3][10]. Finland had acceded to the Convention on January 9, 2012, and the treaty entered into force for Finland on July 1, 2012[4]. By August 2015, Finland had destroyed over one million stockpiled anti-personnel mines[4].

The security environment

The primary driver for Finland's withdrawal was a perceived deterioration of the security environment, specifically citing Russia as a long-term threat to Europe[3][8]. Finnish officials emphasize that anti-personnel mines are well-suited for the country's national defense, capable of slowing an attacker's advance and minimizing defender casualties[3]. They are also considered technically simple, suitable for a conscription system, and can be produced quickly and in large quantities domestically[3]. This decision comes as other countries bordering Russia, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, have also moved towards or completed similar withdrawals[2][9][14].

Rebuilding mine capabilities

Following its withdrawal, Finland began implementing plans to reintroduce anti-personnel landmines. The Finnish Defence Forces initiated measures for acquiring these mines and commenced training for military personnel, conscripts, and reservists in early 2026[2][3]. Colonel Riku Mikkonen, Inspector of Engineers for the Finnish Army, stated that up to one million mines could be procured[1][3]. The procurement strategy focuses on acquiring simple, affordable, and easy-to-use mines[3]. Discussions with the Finnish defense industry began in early 2026, with the goal of manufacturing these weapons domestically to ensure military security of supply[3].

What Finnish officials say

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated on April 1, 2025, that the security situation in Europe and Finland had fundamentally changed and that Russia “is and will remain a threat to the whole of Europe”[3][8]. He added that withdrawing from the convention would allow Finland to prepare for security changes in a “more versatile way” and strengthen its deterrence and defense capabilities[3][9]. President Alexander Stubb defended the decision, noting that Russia, which is not a party to the Ottawa Treaty, “uses landmines ruthlessly”[10]. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen highlighted Russia's “fierce and brutal land warfare operations in Ukraine” as evidence of its willingness to use infantry regardless of losses, reinforcing the need for anti-personnel mines[10]. Colonel Mikkonen expressed a preference against mines with self-destruction mechanisms, stating, “because the war can last for a long time while the self-destruction happens after three to four months. It makes sense of the humanitarian side, not on the military side”[3].

What we could not confirm

The analysis by the Finnish Defence Forces that informed the government's decision to withdraw from the treaty was not made available to the public[3]. While there is consideration for more advanced mine technologies at a later stage, the specific types and quantities of these future acquisitions have not been detailed[3].