Finland has decided to remove the swastika from its air force flags, acknowledging that the symbol has created “awkward situations” with NATO allies. The announcement comes from Colonel Tomi Böhm, the new commander of the Karelian Air Wing, who emphasized the necessity for the Finnish Air Force to adapt to its current international context.
This emblematic change marks a significant shift for Finland, whose air force has used the swastika since 1918, dating back to the civil war against Soviet-backed forces. While the symbol has ancient roots in various cultures, its association with Nazi Germany and the atrocities of the Second World War has cast a long shadow over its use.
Historical Context and Symbolism
The swastika was introduced to the Finnish military by Swedish aristocrat Count Eric Von Rosen, who provided the country with its first military aircraft, adorned with his personal symbol. This blue hooked cross on a white background later became the national emblem on Finnish aircraft until 1945. In the 1950s, the swastika was incorporated into some air force flags, persisting despite its controversial connotations.
Colonel Böhm stated that the flag could have remained, but emphasized that “awkward situations” had occurred during joint exercises with U.S. forces. He noted, “The world has changed, and we live with the times. There has been no political pressure for this.”
Although Finland briefly allied with Nazi Germany during the Second World War, Finnish historians, including Teivo Teivainen from Helsinki University, argue that the country’s use of the swastika has “nothing to do with” the Third Reich. Teivainen, author of “History of the Swastika,” highlights that the Finnish air force’s insignia has increasingly become incompatible with Finland’s status as a NATO member.
Implications for NATO Relations
Finland joined NATO in 2023, a decision influenced by security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As Finland integrates with NATO forces, it faces the challenge of reconciling its historical symbols with the values of its allies, particularly nations such as Germany, the Netherlands, and France, where the swastika is widely recognized as a negative symbol.
This change is particularly relevant following an incident in 2021, when German Air Force units declined to participate in a ceremony in Finland’s Lapland region after learning that swastikas would be displayed. The symbol is banned in numerous countries, including Australia, France, Germany, and Ukraine, reflecting its contentious history.
As Finland navigates this transition, the removal of the swastika signifies a broader commitment to fostering positive international relations and adapting to the expectations of its NATO allies. The Finnish Air Force’s decision illustrates a proactive approach to addressing historical symbols within the context of modern geopolitical realities, positioning Finland as a responsive and responsible member of the international community.