Sweden Boosts Investment in Landmines Amid Strategic Military Shift

On May 30, 2025, Sweden's government announced a significant increase in investment in landmine technology, marking the largest commitment to landmines since the Cold War. This strategic military decision comes as Sweden seeks to enhance its defensive capabilities in response to the evolving global security landscape, particularly influenced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where landmines have played a crucial role in both defensive and offensive strategies on the battlefield.

Sweden's military will be focusing on the development of new types of landmines and enhancing its capabilities for large-scale mining operations. Battalion Chief Oscar Elardt, of the Ing2 battalion, underscored the effectiveness of a well-placed mine, stating, "a well-placed mine can have the same impact as a tank" in combat scenarios. Currently, the Swedish military utilizes only vehicle mines, designed to target tanks and large military vehicles, which can be activated by pressure or magnetic detection as they pass above.

This renewed emphasis on landmines is intended to deter potential adversaries from deploying troops through Swedish and allied territories, as military experts believe that a fortified landscape enhances national security. However, the approach has raised ethical concerns among human rights organizations. Mås Molander, an expert from Human Rights Watch, has pointed out the inherent risks associated with landmines, namely, that they are incapable of discerning between civilian and military vehicles, which poses a significant threat to non-combatants in the event of deployment. Molander advocates for Sweden to consider technological alternatives, such as advanced aerial surveillance, to avoid civilian casualties.

Furthermore, there is a distinction between the types of landmines being discussed. Vehicle mines are still operationally utilized by Sweden, while anti-personnel mines, which are classified as more dangerous due to their indiscriminate nature, are banned under the Ottawa Convention. Although the majority of countries, including Sweden, have ratified this treaty, nations like the US, Russia, and China have not, which complicates global efforts to minimize the humanitarian impact of landmines.

As Sweden moves forward with this investment, the ongoing debate around the legal and moral implications of landmine use continues to be a topic of significant discussion, signaling a transformative moment in Sweden's military strategy and its engagement with international humanitarian laws. The situation remains dynamic as the military develops policies balancing defense capabilities and ethical responsibilities to civilians.