Finnish Air Force Logo PNG
The Finnish Air Force emblem symbolizes constancy and strength. It shows constant border patrols and readiness to defend them. The emblem uses the country’s national colors to symbolize loyalty and faithfulness.
The Finnish Air Force emblem was redesigned after World War II, as the former symbol, the blue swastika, was prohibited. Today, the updated emblem is neutral, a far cry from the controversial insignia it replaced.
The current emblem depicts a golden eagle in flight against a blue circle, framed by six white wings. The bird, with its piercing gaze staring downward as if ready to snatch its prey, epitomizes fighting spirit. This image metaphorically represents bravery and readiness for battle, two qualities inherent in any air force.
The Finnish Air Force was established on March 6, 1918, shortly after Finland gained independence. In its early years, it operated a small number of captured Russian World War I-era aircraft. During the 1920s, the air force expanded with training support from foreign instructors and aircraft purchased mainly from France and the United Kingdom, including Bristol Bulldog fighters and Breguet 14 bombers.
In the 1930s, modernization continued with aircraft such as the Dutch Fokker D.XXI fighters and British Bristol Blenheim bombers. The force was tested during the Winter War of 1939 to 1940 against the Soviet Union, in which Finnish pilots achieved notable success despite a numerical disadvantage. After the war, Finland further strengthened its air arm.
From 1940 to 1941, Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters and Junkers Ju 88 bombers were introduced, improving combat capability during the Continuation War from 1941 to 1944. After the Second World War, restrictions limited Finnish military aviation. Still, in the late 1940s and 1950s, Finland rebuilt its fleet with aircraft such as the de Havilland Vampire, Saab J-29 Tunnan, MiG-21, and Saab 35 Draken.
During the Cold War, Finland maintained neutrality between East and West, operating Saab 35 Draken, Saab 37 Viggen, and MiG-21bis fighters while expanding its air defense infrastructure. After 1991, cooperation with Western countries increased. In the 1990s and 2000s, the F/A-18 Hornet became the main fighter aircraft and was used in international exercises such as Trident Juncture and Arctic Challenge. In 2021, Finland selected the F-35 Lightning II, with deliveries planned for the late 2020s.
Meaning and History
The Finnish Air Force was founded in 1918. It is logical to assume its first emblem appeared then. The image conveyed law and order. However, after Nazi Germany, the image of the swastika became negatively perceived throughout the world, which was the reason for the change of visual symbols. Each sign traces the idea of flight, which is conveyed by the presence of wings. Round shapes indicate the slimness of troop ranks and the aerodynamic properties of airplanes.
What is the Finnish Air Force?
It is an aviation unit of the Finnish Army, founded in 1918 after the separation from the Russian Empire. The Air Force’s main fighter aircraft are 64 American F/A-18C/D Hornets, which the Air Force plans to replace entirely with the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II by 2030.
The Finnish Air Force is the country’s air defense force, ensuring airspace security. They have more than 3,000 active servicemen and almost 38,000 in the reserves. They are divided into three groups based in Rovaniemi, Tampere, and Kuopio-Rissala.
Old
The first emblem of the Finnish Air Force depicted a swastika and a pair of wings. Beyond symbolizing the cycle of day and night, winter and summer, and life and death, the swastika represents the laws that maintain order in the world. These forces are tasked with preserving peace and the natural flow of life in the country, which is why this symbol was chosen.
According to Finnish legend, the swastika first appeared on an airplane that Count Erich von Rosen presented to the troops of the Republic of Finland as a good-luck symbol. Order No. 26 of Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim, Chief of the General Staff, later adopted this image as part of the coat of arms. The Republic’s early flag complemented the emblem.
Count Rosen was not originally associated with Nazism, but he later became the son-in-law of Hermann Göring, Hitler’s friend and leader of the National Socialist movement. Interestingly, the image of the swastika is preserved on the country’s presidential flag.
The two wings in the emblem surround the image, symbolizing flight. The feathers are raised upward, signifying protection. Citizens have nothing to worry about. The powers that be are protecting them, watching over everything from above.
The curved lines of the swastika resemble airplane propellers, and a bird’s wings resemble a fighter jet’s.
Interestingly, the image of wings corresponds to many emblems. For example, the emblem of Aeroflot, the badge on the cap of the Russian Air Force, the eagle of the Weimar Republic, and later Nazi Germany. This suggests that this symbol, like the swastika, shares common roots.
The first distinctive sign was blue. Later, it was replaced by gold, which looked more spectacular on fuselages and caps. However, blue shades are also used in airplane livery.
After World War II, the Finnish Air Force stopped depicting the swastika on its planes in order not to associate the country with the crimes of Nazi Germany.
New
The new Air Force emblem after 1944 featured a blue circle with six pairs of wings arranged in the direction of the wheel’s rotation. The blue circle with a white border was firmly associated with Finland. It was worn on the caps of military commanders, and its blue and white colors are part of the country’s flag. The first color symbolizes Finnish lakes, and the second symbolizes snow. However, in the context of the Finnish Air Force, they also speak of the sky and clouds.
The sixfold repetition of the wings echoes the motto of quality and strength. Above the upper wing is a cap or crown, indicating the troops’ elite status.
In the center of the entire figure, a golden eagle flies. This bird is common in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in Norway and Finland, and is associated with the countryside and flight. The golden eagle symbolizes strength. It is a strong raptor with a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters. Air Force warriors vigilantly guard the country’s borders, with eagle-like sharp eyesight and the strength to repel the enemy.
Font and Colors
The Finnish Air Force emblem symbolizes constancy and strength. It demonstrates constant border guarding and readiness to defend them. The emblem uses the country’s national colors to symbolize devotion and loyalty.
The sign’s main colors are blue, white, and gold. These shades perfectly echo the country’s heraldic symbols.
- Blue – the expanse of the sky, where fighter jets soar, and the waters of lakes. The color of professionals who follow orders.
- White – cold snow and airy clouds. The color represents bravery and honesty, which distinguish warriors.
- Gold is the color of awards. A symbol of nobility and victories.
Interestingly, the Finnish Air Force symbol includes no inscriptions, as the drawn emblem is more visible on an airplane.