“For the Defence Forces, anti-personnel landmines are one addition to our system in a time when strengthening defence capability is particularly important,” said Riku Mikkonen, Inspector of Engineers at the Army Command. “In the Defence Forces’ operations, anti-personnel mines will be made part of counter mobility, which involves blocking the enemy’s movement by means of anti-tank mines and various types of obstacles taking advantage of the natural obstacle value of the terrain.”
“We will use mines only in emergency conditions in accordance with units’ plans in combat areas as part of other use of fire,” Colonel Mikkonen said. “In peacetime, anti-personnel mine training will be conducted using training equipment.”
The Defence Forces stated that anti-personnel landmines will be used only under specific plans and supervision, with personnel, conscripts and reservists trained in responsible use, marking, documentation and monitoring. Training will also cover selecting mine areas to avoid harm to civilians and friendly units.
According to draft instructions, training will begin for military personnel in early 2026 and for conscripts starting with Contingent 1/2026, while reservists will receive training during refresher exercises based on their roles. Initial training will use directed fragmentation charges already in service, with new anti-personnel mines planned to be developed with domestic defence industry partners.
“Aspects taken into account in the consideration of new anti-personnel landmines include, among others, the security environment, quantities of mines to be stockpiled in peacetime, and the ability to produce new mines quickly in emergency conditions,” Colonel Mikkonen said. “A more accurate estimate of the cost of these acquisitions will be obtained as the planning advances.”
The Defence Forces aim to have the first new anti-personnel mines and related training equipment available during 2027, after which their use will become a regular part of conscript and reservist training. The new capability will complement existing systems acquired after Finland joined the Ottawa Convention, including anti-tank mines, reconnaissance equipment, drones and rocket launcher capability.
Source: Finnish Defence Forces.
