Finland to remove swastikas from air force flags

Finland's Air Force, now part of Nato, still flies swastikas on a handful of unit flags – but is preparing to phase them out, largely to avoid awkwardness with its Western allies.

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Geneva – Finland's Air Force, now part of Nato, still flies swastikas on a handful of unit flags – but is preparing to phase them out, largely to avoid awkwardness with its Western allies.

The history of the Finnish air force's use of the swastika, which since the 20^th century has largely been associated with Nazi tyranny and hate groups, is more complex than at first appearance.

It is an ancient symbol and Finland's air force began using it many years before the birth of Nazi Germany.

Change has been underway for years. A swastika logo was quietly pulled off the Air Force Command's unit emblem a few years ago. But swastikas have remained on some Finnish air force flags, raising eyebrows among Nato allies, tourists and other foreigners who spot them at military events.