Poland has announced its intention to restart the production of anti-personnel mines as part of a broader defense strategy aimed at strengthening its borders with Russia and Belarus. This decision follows Poland's recent commitment, alongside the Baltic states, to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use of such weapons. The move aims to address what Polish officials describe as an escalating security threat from Russia.
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that international conventions should not hinder national defense capabilities, stating that Poland and its Baltic allies must be able to adequately respond to potential threats. He indicated that the legislative process to formally exit the Ottawa Convention will be initiated soon and may take up to six months to complete.
Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Bejda outlined plans for domestic production, estimating the need for several hundred thousand to potentially one million anti-personnel mines. He confirmed that both state-owned and private defense contractors would be involved in production efforts. The Polish Armed Group, PGZ, is expected to play a significant role in this initiative.
While the decision has been framed as a necessary measure to bolster national security, critics, including representatives from international advocacy groups, warn that resuming mine production could divert resources from developing more effective defense strategies and pose long-term humanitarian risks.