Finnish Air Force Retires Historic Swastika Emblem Amid Sensitivity Concerns
Helsinki – The Finnish Air force is phasing out its longstanding swastika emblem, a symbol adopted in 1918, from unit flags and decorations. The decision follows an incident in 2021 where german air force personnel declined to participate in a concluding ceremony after joint exercises in Finnish Lapland due to the presence of the emblem. The move reflects a growing awareness of the symbol’s problematic associations, despite its historical origins predating its appropriation by the Nazi regime.
The change impacts flags used in parades and local ceremonies, with new designs featuring an eagle expected to be rolled out in the coming months. While the swastika has been removed from most Air Force emblems during previous reforms, this final step aims to address ongoing sensitivities and ensure inclusivity in international military cooperation. The decision underscores the complex legacy of symbols and the need for continuous reevaluation in a changing global context.
A Century-Old Emblem’s Origins
Finland adopted the swastika as its air force insignia shortly after gaining independence from Imperial Russia in 1918. The emblem was not initially associated with any extremist ideology but was rather derived from the personal symbol of Count Eric von Rosen, a Swedish aristocrat and explorer. Von Rosen gifted Finland its first military aircraft in 1918, an aircraft already bearing his swastika emblem.
For nearly three decades, a blue swastika on a white background served as the national insignia on all Finnish aircraft, remaining in use until 1945. Even after World war II, the symbol persisted on some Air Force unit flags and decorations, as well as the insignia of the Air Force Academy.
Despite its long history, the emblem’s association with Nazi Germany has prompted increasing scrutiny. Count von Rosen was the brother-in-law of Hermann Goering, a prominent figure in the Nazi Party and commander of the Luftwaffe during World War II.
The Finnish Air Force has consistently maintained that its use of the swastika was unconnected to Nazi ideology, even while acknowledging Finland’s reluctant alliance with Germany during world War II. A statement released by the Defense Forces affirmed, “The traditional von Rosen swastika emblem, in use since 1918, has already been removed from most other Air Force emblems during earlier reforms, so its removal from the unit flags is a logical continuation of this work.”
The Defense Forces indicated that the new flags will be introduced into use for events such as parades and local ceremonies, though a specific timeline for thier deployment has not been announced.
