Al Jazeera
🔴 Central
19 Oct 2026
🇫🇮 What is said about Finland
Finland plans to acquire one million anti-personnel mines for about €100 million and would prefer Finnish manufacturers; around half a dozen domestic firms meet the requirements. The plan reflects concerns about the deteriorating security situation and Russia: Finland withdrew from the Ottawa Convention in 2025 and shares roughly 1,340 kilometres of border with Russia.
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Finland is seeking to acquire one million anti-personnel mines. The plan to spend 100 million euros ($112 million) on the munitions comes after Helsinki and regional peers withdrew from a United Nations compact rejecting their use. Colonel Riku Mikkonen of the Army Command told Finland’s national news agency STT that officials are now gathering information from suppliers regarding the deal. Helsinki would like domestic manufacturers to supply the mines, and about half a dozen Finnish firms qualify. Finland joined the Ottawa Convention in 2012, but announced its withdrawal in April 2025, citing a worsening security climate. Finland shares a border of roughly 1,340 kilometres (830 miles) with Russia.
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