Media reports Finland to scrap swastika
(MENAFN) The Finnish Air Force is set to remove the swastika from its unit flags as part of a broader reform, according to state broadcaster Yle. The symbol’s links to Nazism have caused “embarrassing situations,” a senior commander explained.
The swastika was originally adopted by the Finnish Air Force in 1918, long before it became associated with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. Finnish aircraft displayed the blue-and-white emblem until 1945, when the Allies mandated its removal after World War II. However, it continued to appear on unit flags, medals, emblems, and uniforms.
Colonel Tomi Bohm, commander of the Karelia Air Command, noted that the symbol has been problematic in interactions with foreign allies, including the United States. Finland joined NATO in 2023, followed by Sweden in 2024.
“We could have kept the flag, but sometimes embarrassing moments arise with foreign guests,” Bohm said, adding that it’s “reasonable to live in the times.”
The Air Force headquarters has already removed the swastika, and officials plan to phase it out from other insignia in the coming years.
The swastika remains banned or heavily restricted in many countries, especially Germany, due to its Nazi ties. Russia has criticized Finland for its continued use, highlighting in a 2024 report that the Order of the Cross of Liberty, a top Finnish honor, still features the symbol and appears on the presidential standard.
During WWII, Finland fought alongside Nazi Germany and even formed a Finnish SS battalion, one of the few non-Axis countries to support Hitler militarily.
The swastika was originally adopted by the Finnish Air Force in 1918, long before it became associated with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. Finnish aircraft displayed the blue-and-white emblem until 1945, when the Allies mandated its removal after World War II. However, it continued to appear on unit flags, medals, emblems, and uniforms.
Colonel Tomi Bohm, commander of the Karelia Air Command, noted that the symbol has been problematic in interactions with foreign allies, including the United States. Finland joined NATO in 2023, followed by Sweden in 2024.
“We could have kept the flag, but sometimes embarrassing moments arise with foreign guests,” Bohm said, adding that it’s “reasonable to live in the times.”
The Air Force headquarters has already removed the swastika, and officials plan to phase it out from other insignia in the coming years.
The swastika remains banned or heavily restricted in many countries, especially Germany, due to its Nazi ties. Russia has criticized Finland for its continued use, highlighting in a 2024 report that the Order of the Cross of Liberty, a top Finnish honor, still features the symbol and appears on the presidential standard.
During WWII, Finland fought alongside Nazi Germany and even formed a Finnish SS battalion, one of the few non-Axis countries to support Hitler militarily.
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