Poland withdraws from Anti‑Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, clears way for border minefields
Removal of treaty obligations permits Poland to manufacture, retain, and deploy antipersonnel and anti‑tank mines for eastern‑border defence.
Change
Poland withdrew from the 1997 Anti‑Personnel Mine Ban Treaty on February 20, 2026, removing its treaty obligations and enabling stockpiling and potential deployment of antipersonnel and anti‑tank mines along its eastern border.
Why it matters
The decision creates a legal environment in which landmines may be held in reserve and emplaced on or beneath border territory, producing persistent contamination zones that restrict civilian movement and land use. Military planners and humanitarian actors will face increased operational constraints and long-term clearance obligations when operating or responding in those areas.
Implications
- — Poland's Defence Ministry procurement teams must solicit and award contracts to domestic manufacturers to establish production lines for antipersonnel and anti‑tank mines.
- — Polish defense manufacturers, including Belma SA, must retool facilities and complete ordnance certification to begin production of landmines.
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