Archive · 17 Dec 2025
Poland to Produce Anti-Personnel Mines for Eastern Border
Poland has decided to start making anti-personnel mines again for the first time since the Cold War.
These mines will be used to protect its borders with Belarus and Russia.
The country is also thinking about sending some of these mines to Ukraine.
Poland is leaving a global treaty that bans these kinds of weapons, and other countries like Lithuania and Finland are doing the same.
The mines will be made by a company called Belma, which can produce up to 1.2 million mines next year.
Poland wants to have millions of mines ready to secure its long eastern border.
The decision comes as many countries near Russia are worried about their security.
Poland plans to produce and deploy anti-personnel mines along its eastern border with Belarus and Russia.
The mines will be part of the 'East Shield' defensive program to fortify the 800-km border.
Production could begin in 2024, with Poland aiming to have millions of mines ready.
Belma, a state-owned company, can produce up to 1.2 million mines per year, including anti-personnel mines.
Poland may export excess mines to Ukraine and other NATO countries bordering Russia.
- Who
- Poland, Deputy Defence Minister Pawel Zalewski, Belma CEO Jaroslaw Zakrzewski
- What
- Poland's decision to produce and deploy anti-personnel mines along its eastern border
- When
- Production could begin in 2024, withdrawal from Ottawa Convention completed by February 20, 2026
- Where
- Poland's eastern border with Belarus and Russia, potential exports to Ukraine and NATO countries
- Why
- To fortify borders and enhance security amid regional tensions with Russia
- Country
- Poland
- Border Length
- 800 km (500 miles)
- Mine Production Capacity
- Up to 1.2 million mines per year
- Withdrawal from Ottawa Convention
- Completion on February 20, 2026
- Potential Export Destinations
- Ukraine, NATO countries bordering Russia
