Poland is poised to initiate the resumption of anti-personnel mine production, as stated by its defense minister on Thursday. This announcement follows Warsaw’s recent collaboration with the Baltic states to declare their intention to withdraw from a treaty prohibiting the use of such mines.
By exiting the 1997 Ottawa Convention, which has been ratified or accepted by over 160 countries, Poland and the three Baltic nations will be able to stockpile and utilize anti-personnel mines again, a move they justify as a response to the perceived increasing threat from Russia.
“Poland and our neighboring countries should not be constrained by agreements that impede our deterrence or defense strategies,” Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz remarked during a press conference when questioned about the withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention.
“The responsibility of politicians is to remove the restrictions that currently limit military capabilities, and we, along with our Baltic allies, are taking action in this regard,” he continued.
Kosiniak-Kamysz indicated that the legislative process to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention would require several months, followed by an additional six months to implement the decision at the United Nations.
See more: Poland Consider Reallocating EU Funds for Defense.
“Furthermore, enabling the production of these mines is a task for the defense industry,” he noted, adding that he had received information indicating readiness for this endeavor.
Polish defense manufacturer Belma informed Reuters via email that it currently produces anti-tank mines and could quickly adapt its production facilities to accommodate anti-personnel mines.
