Finnish Air Force to eliminate swastika symbols from flags for comfort with Atlantic partners
The Finnish Air Force has announced plans to phase out the use of the swastika symbol in its unit flags, emblems, and insignia. This decision comes in response to the symbol's perceived embarrassment in international contexts, particularly among NATO allies.
The swastika symbol used by the Finnish Air Force predates the birth of Nazi Germany. It was adopted by the Air Force in 1918, soon after Finland gained its independence from Imperial Russian rule. The symbol was introduced on the first Finnish Air Force aircraft, a gift from Swedish aristocrat Eric von Rosen, who saw it as his personal good luck charm.
However, the symbol's association with Nazi Germany has been a source of concern for many years. Despite the Finnish Air Force's emphasis that its use of the symbol had no connection to Nazi Germany, some have connected the two. This has led to awkwardness with Western allies and caused concern among tourists and foreigners.
Professor Teivo Teivanen, a world politics expert at the University of Helsinki, noted that Finland's integration with NATO has accelerated the need for more integration with the forces of countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and France, where the swastika is a negative symbol. Tomi Böhm, the new head of Karelia Air Wing air defence force, also expressed the view that it may be wise to phase out the swastikas due to changing times.
The Defence Forces launched a plan to renew the air force unit flags in 2023, the year Finland joined NATO. However, they claim that the decision to phase out the swastika logo is not linked to joining the alliance. The aim of the flag renewal plan is to update the symbolism and emblems of the flags to better reflect the current identity of the Air Force.
Swastikas have remained on some Finnish air force flags for decades after the war, causing continued unease among NATO allies. The Finnish Air Force, as a NATO member, is now taking steps to address this issue and move towards a more internationally acceptable symbolism.
The swastika imagery has been an "embarrassing symbol in international contexts" for the Finnish Air Force. As the Air Force moves forward, it is phasing out the swastikas to ensure a more positive and respectful image in the international community.
