# FOI says that Finland’s mine reintroduction creates legal hurdles for Swedish forces

- Source: Nordic Defence Sector (https://nordicdefencesector.com)
- Canonical URL: https://nordicdefencesector.com/en/article/foi-finlands-mine-reintroduction-creates-legal-hurdles-for-swedish-forces
- Published: 2026-11-09
- Author: Daniel Trangeled
- Type: News · Country: sweden
- Language: en (original)
- Also available in: de (https://nordicdefencesector.com/de/article/foi-finlands-mine-reintroduction-creates-legal-hurdles-for-swedish-forces.md), dk (https://nordicdefencesector.com/dk/article/foi-finlands-mine-reintroduction-creates-legal-hurdles-for-swedish-forces.md), es (https://nordicdefencesector.com/es/article/foi-finlands-mine-reintroduction-creates-legal-hurdles-for-swedish-forces.md), fi (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fi/article/foi-finlands-mine-reintroduction-creates-legal-hurdles-for-swedish-forces.md), fr (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fr/article/foi-finlands-mine-reintroduction-creates-legal-hurdles-for-swedish-forces.md), it (https://nordicdefencesector.com/it/article/foi-finlands-mine-reintroduction-creates-legal-hurdles-for-swedish-forces.md), no (https://nordicdefencesector.com/no/article/foi-finlands-mine-reintroduction-creates-legal-hurdles-for-swedish-forces.md), pl (https://nordicdefencesector.com/pl/article/foi-finlands-mine-reintroduction-creates-legal-hurdles-for-swedish-forces.md), sv (https://nordicdefencesector.com/sv/article/foi-finlands-mine-reintroduction-creates-legal-hurdles-for-swedish-forces.md)
- Primary source: https://foi.se/rapporter/rapportsammanfattning.html?reportNo=FOI-R--5969--SE
- Tags: foi, finland, sweden, anti-personnel mines, finnish defence forces, nato, swedish armed forces, ottawa convention, forward land forces, poland, baltic states

> A new FOI report warns that Sweden's strict interpretation of the Ottawa Convention prevents its forces from planning or operating alongside anti-personnel mines reintroduced by Finland, creating legal risks for Swedish personnel within NATO's Forward Land Forces. Finland's mine ban withdrawal took effect in January 2026, with full operational capability expected by the end of 2027.

![Totalförsvarets Forskningsinstitut, skylt vid Grindsjön](https://imagedelivery.net/XO8UY-c6-LfWgEjQsN8IQw/ceacb147-7ef9-4361-416c-14664d64f800/public)
*Totalförsvarets Forskningsinstitut, skylt vid Grindsjön · Foto: Holger.Ellgaard / Wikimedia Commons*

**Swedish forces [cannot plan](https://foi.se/rapporter/rapportsammanfattning.html?reportNo=FOI-R--5969--SE) or operate alongside anti-personnel mines in Finland under Sweden’s current reading of the Ottawa Convention, according to a new report from the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI).**

The report was published on 3 November and uses Finland as a case study. Finland’s withdrawal from the mine ban took effect on 10 January 2026. Poland and the three Baltic states also announced their exits in 2025.

— The [anti-personnel mine] reintroduction constitutes an unusual case of bottom-up-induced strategic revision for NATO, writes the report's author Anna Savolainen.

Under current rules, Sweden “cannot participate in the planning of activities in which [anti-personnel mines] will be used,” the [report](https://foi.se/rest-api/report/FOI-R--5969--SE) states. Swedish units also cannot transport the mines or operate in sectors where they are laid. Sweden is the framework nation for NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Finland. The report warns that Swedish personnel could face criminal liability.

According to FOI, the Finnish Defence Forces will first convert existing directional fragmentation mines to tripwire initiation. Training will likely start in late 2026, once sufficient stocks are in place. Full operational capability may be expected by the end of 2027, the report says.

## FAQ

**Why can't Swedish forces operate alongside anti-personnel mines in Finland?**

Sweden's current reading of the Ottawa Convention prohibits its forces from planning activities involving anti-personnel mines. A new FOI report states Sweden cannot participate in such planning, transport mines, or operate in sectors where they are laid, creating complications since Sweden is the framework nation for NATO's Forward Land Forces in Finland. Last fact-checked: 2026-11-09.

**What legal risks do Swedish personnel face under current rules on anti-personnel mines?**

According to the FOI report, Swedish personnel could face criminal liability for involvement with anti-personnel mines under existing legal interpretations. This stems from restrictions preventing Swedish units from planning, transporting, or operating in areas where mines are deployed, despite Sweden's role as framework nation for NATO forces in Finland. Last fact-checked: 2026-11-09.

**When will Finland achieve full operational capability for anti-personnel mines?**

The Finnish Defence Forces expect full operational capability for anti-personnel mines by the end of 2027. Training is scheduled to begin in late 2026, following the conversion of existing directional fragmentation mines to tripwire initiation. Finland's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention mine ban took effect on 10 January 2026. Last fact-checked: 2026-11-09.

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