Finland Air Force drops swastika after NATO membership

Hammad Kahlun
Scandinavian News Agency, Finland

Finland has decided to remove the swastika emblem from its Air Force flags in a move aimed at avoiding discomfort among NATO allies.

The symbol, first adopted in 1918, had no connection to Nazi Germany when Finland began using it. For decades, Finnish officials defended its use, stressing that it represented national history rather than extremism.

However, outside Finland the swastika is strongly associated with the Third Reich, often causing unease at international events and joint military gatherings.

The process of phasing out the insignia started in 2023, shortly after Finland joined NATO.

A From now on, all Air Force units are required to adopt updated symbols that reflect the force’s modern identity and alliance commitments.

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