Finland's air force, now in NATO, is phasing out swastikas from its unit flags. While the symbol predates Nazi Germany and was used in Finland since 1918, its association with Nazi ideology causes awkwardness with allies. The change, underway for years, accelerates after Finland joined NATO in 2023. The aim is to modernize the Air Force's image and avoid negative international perceptions, despite Finland's claim that its swastika's use was unrelated to Nazi Germany.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.