Poland has announced its decision to resume the production of anti-personnel mines, a significant development that marks a departure from its Cold War-era policies. This initiative is primarily aimed at strengthening Poland’s defenses along its eastern border with Belarus and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. According to Deputy Defence Minister Pawel Zalewski, the move could also facilitate the potential export of these weapons to Ukraine.
This decision reflects a broader trend among European nations bordering Russia, many of which, with the exception of Norway, are withdrawing from the global treaty that prohibits anti-personnel mines. Poland began its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention in August 2023, and Zalewski expressed a strong interest in ramping up production quickly, stating, “We are interested in large quantities as soon as possible.” The production of these mines will be integrated into the ‘East Shield’ defensive initiative.
When asked about the timeline for production, which could commence in 2024, Zalewski noted, “I would very much like that… We have such needs.” His comments are the first formal confirmation from Polish officials regarding this shift in policy.
Historically, Poland ceased the production of anti-personnel mines in the mid-1980s and halted exports by 1995, as indicated in reports to the United Nations. The state-owned company Belma, which currently supplies various types of mines to the Polish military, has indicated that it could produce between 5 to 6 million mines under the newly established East Shield program to secure Poland’s approximately 800-kilometer (500-mile) eastern border.
Belma’s CEO Jaroslaw Zakrzewski stated that while no formal orders have been placed yet, the company has the capacity to produce up to 1.2 million mines of all types in the coming year. Currently, production stands at around 100,000 mines annually.
The provision of mines to Ukraine will depend on production capacity, according to Zalewski. He emphasized that Poland’s own defense needs are the priority, but he acknowledged that supporting Ukraine is essential for the security of Europe, particularly given the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zakrzewski also mentioned that neighboring NATO countries, including the Baltic states, have shown interest in acquiring anti-personnel mines.
The rising tensions with Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have prompted other nations to reconsider their stances on anti-personnel mines. Both Lithuania and Finland have announced plans to begin production next year, while Latvia and Estonia are withdrawing from the treaty and may establish production operations if necessary.
Poland’s production of anti-personnel mines could officially begin after the six-month withdrawal period from the Ottawa Convention, which will conclude on February 20, 2026. Ukraine has also announced its withdrawal from the treaty to enhance its defense capabilities against Russia, a country that is not a signatory. The conflict has seen both sides accusing each other of using anti-personnel mines.
The decisions being made by Poland and its neighbors highlight the shifting landscape of military strategy in Eastern Europe and the increasing focus on national security in response to perceived threats from Russia. As tensions persist, the implications of these developments will be closely monitored by international observers and defense analysts alike.
