Commander Jaakkola calls for dialogue on infantry mines amid changing security landscape in Finland

The Commander of the Finnish Defense Forces, Janne Jaakkola, has emphasized the need for dialogue concerning infantry mines, citing significant changes in the security landscape since Finland’s adherence to the Ottawa Treaty in 2012. He pointed out that the widespread use of these mines by Russian forces has created a new context in which Finland must consider its military preparedness.

Jaakkola refrained from directly addressing whether Finland should withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, noting that such a decision falls within the political sphere. However, he expressed the importance of discussing not only infantry mines but also emerging defense technologies. This shift in focus reflects Finland’s evolving approach to security challenges and the necessity of adapting military strategies in response to global developments.