Poland steps up military readiness
Photo: Polish soldiers (Getty Images)
Poland is reviewing its approach to defending its eastern flank. Decisions that were recently considered impossible are now becoming part of a long-term security strategy amid regional threats, according to a report by inPoland.
For the first time since the Cold War, Poland plans to resume production of anti-personnel mines and use them to strengthen its eastern border.
These are large-scale defense measures being implemented following the country’s exit from international restrictions and within the framework of a new military doctrine.
Withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention
Poland has officially withdrawn from the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use and production of anti-personnel mines, following the example of the Baltic states.
This decision allows Warsaw to deploy such measures to defend the border with Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad region, considered potentially vulnerable areas.
Production and scale
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the country aims to maximize its stockpiles of anti-personnel mines.
Their production will be included in the Eastern Shield (Tarcza Wschod) program, planned for 2024–2028, aimed at countering military and hybrid threats from Russia and Belarus.
Manufacturing is expected to begin after the official completion of Poland’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention - after February 20, 2026.
Possible assistance to Ukraine
The Polish defense company Belma, which already supplies other types of mines to the military, has said it is ready to produce up to 1.2 million anti-personnel mines per year. Total stockpiles are estimated to potentially reach millions of units.
At the same time, the transfer of part of the surplus production to the Armed Forces of Ukraine is not being ruled out.
“We are focused on our own needs, but Ukraine is an absolute priority, because the Ukrainian‑Russian front is Poland’s and Europe’s security front,” a Defense Ministry representative explained.
Poland has announced the resumption of anti-personnel mine production for the first time in decades, viewing this step as part of a broader defense strategy. The measures are being implemented under a national security strengthening program aimed at reinforcing defensive lines and adapting military infrastructure to potential threats.
Poland’s state-owned defense group PGZ intends to expand exports of military products, focusing on weapons and equipment that have been practically tested during combat operations in Ukraine, as well as on dual-use items in demand among partners and allies.
