Finland’s Air Force is set to phase out the use of swastikas on its unit flags, a decision influenced by its recent membership in NATO and the desire to align more closely with its Western allies. The transition reflects a broader effort to update military symbols that have become controversial due to their historical connotations, particularly regarding Nazi Germany.
The swastika has been part of the Finnish Air Force’s insignia since 1918, a time when Finland gained independence from Imperial Russia. Count Eric von Rosen, a Swedish aristocrat, contributed the first military aircraft to Finland, which bore the swastika as his personal emblem. This symbol was adopted as the national insignia and remained in use until the end of World War II, appearing on various military decorations and aircraft.
Despite its long history in Finland, the swastika has increasingly raised concerns in international contexts. According to the Defense Forces, a plan to remove the emblem from unit flags was initiated in 2023, coinciding with Finland’s NATO accession, although officials have clarified that the timing was not directly related to joining the alliance.
In a statement, Col. Tomi Böhm, head of the Karelia Air Wing, noted, “We could have continued with this flag, but sometimes awkward situations can arise with foreign visitors. It may be wise to live with the times.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the symbol’s potential to create discomfort among NATO partners and foreign tourists at military events.
The swastika’s association with Nazi ideology complicates its historical significance. While it was used in Finland long before the rise of Nazi Germany, the emblem has become an “embarrassing symbol in international contexts,” as reported by Helsingin Sanomat. Teivo Teivanen, a professor of world politics at the University of Helsinki, highlighted that the flags in question were introduced in the 1950s and are currently displayed by four Air Force units.
Teivanen emphasized a shift in perspective following Finland’s NATO integration. Policymakers are now focused on aligning with forces from countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and France, where the swastika is viewed negatively. He recalled an incident in 2021 when German air force units withdrew from a ceremony in Finland due to the presence of the swastika.
The Finnish Air Force has consistently maintained that its use of the swastika is unrelated to Nazi Germany. Yet, historical connections remain. Count von Rosen’s sister was married to Hermann Göring, a prominent Nazi figure and leader of the Luftwaffe during World War II. This lineage has contributed to the complex legacy of the swastika in Finland.
As the Air Force prepares to unveil new flags featuring an eagle, they aim to better reflect the current identity of the military. The removal of the swastika from unit flags is viewed as a logical extension of previous reforms, as many other emblems have already transitioned away from the historical symbol.
The Defense Forces have not specified a timeline for the introduction of the new flags, which are expected to be used in various events, including parades and local ceremonies. This change marks a significant step for Finland as it seeks to navigate its historical symbols in a contemporary geopolitical landscape.