Poland and Finland Resume Landmine Procurement Plans
Both nations have withdrawn from the Mine Ban Treaty to facilitate the acquisition of millions of new antipersonnel mines.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Terrorism
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Poland and Finland have withdrawn from the Mine Ban Treaty to begin significant new antipersonnel mine procurement programs. Poland intends to acquire 14.7 million mines, while Finland plans to purchase one million units domestically.
Why it matters
Polish officials have cited national security interests, specifically the potential need for border defense and the ability to supply allies, as the primary drivers for these procurement plans. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines has requested international intervention to halt these efforts.
Poland and Finland have officially withdrawn from the Mine Ban Treaty. Poland opened market consultations for its 14.7 million mine acquisition in March 2026, while Finland expects its first domestic deliveries in 2027.
The players
International Campaign to Ban Landmines
This is a global coalition of non-governmental organizations dedicated to the total elimination of antipersonnel landmines.
Polish Armaments Agency
This government body is responsible for managing the acquisition and modernization of military equipment for the Polish Armed Forces.
The details
Poland's Armaments Agency is leading the procurement process, which follows the nation's withdrawal from the treaty in February 2026. These munitions are intended to bolster defenses for Poland, Finland, and potentially neighboring states like Ukraine and the Baltic region.
Timeline
In 2024, civilians accounted for 90 percent of global mine casualties.
Finland announced its intention to purchase domestically manufactured mines in January 2026.
Poland's withdrawal from the Mine Ban Treaty took effect in February 2026.
Poland began market consultations regarding mine procurement in March 2026.
Finland anticipates receiving its first batch of new mines in 2027.
Legal Context
The withdrawal of Poland and Finland from the Mine Ban Treaty represents a significant departure from the international disarmament trend established by the agreement. This action reverses decades of adherence to global norms intended to minimize civilian casualties.
The return of widespread landmine production raises urgent concerns about the long-term safety of civilian populations, given that civilians represented 90 percent of all mine casualties in 2024. Increased stockpiling may lead to heightened security risks in border regions where these mines are deployed.
The takeaway
The move by Poland and Finland highlights a shift toward prioritizing national territorial defense over international disarmament commitments. Readers should monitor regional border security policies as these nations finalize their procurement contracts.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolution of global security threats in the Terrorism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Defense Post.
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