Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen (council) confirms ‘s information. Allied countries are also involved in the TNT explosives factory project.
The war in Ukraine, which has been going on for three years, has blown the demand for TNT explosives completely out of control in the West.
TNT, i.e. trotyl, is a traditional explosive used especially in artillery and mortar shells. Its mass production is significantly cheaper than newer explosives.
Currently, the availability of TNT explosives is considered almost critical in Europe. The only factory in the EU is in Poland, but the production is not enough to meet the high demand.
Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen (co.) confirms ‘s information that Finland is pushing for the construction of a TNT explosive factory.
– Significantly more explosives production is needed. Therefore, we must also seriously consider the role of domestic industry in this, Häkkänen tells .
Dialogue about the TNT factory has been held with the business world, private capital investors and the defense industry market.
– Market players know that there is a demand for this kind of production. In any case, the state has a strong controlling role in this matter, Häkkänen states.
Quick schedule for decisions
According to Häkkänen, Finland has communicated to its allies the importance of quick decisions. Russia is prepared for long-term warfare, and this keeps the need for explosives at a high level
– Decisions must be made now so that production can be released in a year or two, Häkkänen states.
Häkkänen emphasizes that it is a cooperation project with other allied countries. The issue will be taken forward in close dialogue with the Nordic countries and allies.
Decisions on where the factory will eventually be built have not yet been made.
– The investigation is ongoing and the aim is to reach conclusions during the spring. Domestic production is one part of this analysis, says Häkkänen.
A TNT explosive factory would suit Finland
Finland has invested significantly in domestic ammunition production.
Finland received in full in March EU funding for ammunition production, 32.5 million euro. This was preceded by approximately 24 million granted by the Ministry of Defense in December. euro financing for domestic production
A traditional age belonging to the Nammo group Vihtavuori gunpowder factory is currently significantly expanding its operations.
In addition, has previously told how Finland has the capabilities to utilize wood-based cellulose in the production of gunpowder.
A TNT factory would fit well into Finland’s rapidly growing ammunition industry.
This is also acknowledged by the Minister of Defense.
– As far as ammunition production is concerned, we have special know-how and ability. In that sense, TNT’s production in Finland would be well suited to this role.
It wins with enough raw materials
The reason for the tight schedule is the situation of the war in Ukraine.
– Russia knows together with its allies that they might be able to win this consumer war.
According to Häkkänen, the production of TNT explosives plays a central role in the situation of the war in Ukraine. Ammunition production is a decisively critical issue in the consumption war.
– It loses, who runs out of ammunition and their raw materials first. Whoever has enough of these might win the war, says Häkkänen.