Finland to remove swastikas from unit flags after ‘awkward situations’

Published August 28, 2025 3:19pm ET



The Finnish Air Force will remove swastikas from its unit flags, with a commander citing “awkward situations” as the reason.

Finland adopted the swastika as the emblem of its Air Force in 1918, two years before the German Nazi Party adopted it. Despite the symbol falling out of use since 1945 due to its association with Nazi Germany, Finland has continued to use it. Colonel Tomi Böhm, the new commander of Finland’s Karelia Air Wing, told Yle Thursday that it will finally ditch the controversial symbol.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.