Finland has taken the lead in the new European cooperation Naval Mines Cooperation (NMC), where ten countries have now agreed to deepen cooperation on naval mine systems. A framework agreement has been signed, and a joint procurement of the Finnish bottom mine Blocker is being prepared.
According to a press release from the Finnish government, the cooperation will cover areas such as joint procurements, logistics, exercises, training, and the development of new weapon systems. In addition to Finland, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, and Sweden are participating.
– We have realised that by sharing our expertise, we strengthen defence particularly in the Baltic Sea region. The cooperation is also justified with regard to national defence, says Finland's Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen in the press release.
In the Norwegian government's press release, it is stated that Norway will acquire both training mines and a limited number of operational mines as part of the cooperation. Further procurement of moored mines is planned in the next step.
– Cooperation on naval mines is an important contribution to strengthening maritime defence in the North Atlantic and shows how crucial close cooperation between neighbouring countries and allies is in today's security situation, says Norway's Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik in the press release.
The procurement of the Blocker mine is led by Finland together with Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, and Norway. The product is manufactured by the Finnish defence manufacturer Forcit Defence. According to the company, Blocker is a bottom mine with a target-seeking system and an explosive effect equivalent to over 1,000 kg of TNT.