Newsmakers

A routine training exercise by Finnish Air Force cadet pilots has sparked controversy after aircraft flight patterns appeared to form crude, penis-shaped figures on radar tracking maps.

Tabloid Iltalehti first reported that the incident occurred on April 13, when reserve officer pilot course trainees were conducting scheduled drills.

Flight data reviewed by YLE, the Finnish Broadcasting Company, showed multiple aircraft taking off from Tikkakoski in Jyväskylä around 7:30 am, with at least four flight paths tracing shapes resembling male genitalia.

The Finnish Air Force confirmed that flights were conducted by students from the flight reserve officer course and condemned the trainee pilots' behaviour.

In a statement to YLE, an Air Force spokesperson said the flights were part of standard manoeuvre training within a designated airspace. “The aircraft remained in the training area assigned to the flight mission and performed the exercises given in the flight mission assignment. The aircraft did not deviate from their route,” the spokesperson said.

Authorities also clarified that the flights posed no risk to other air traffic.

YLE further reported that an internal investigation has been launched, though officials declined to specify what penalties the cadets might face.

“The Air Force requires soldiers to follow good manners and rules of conduct, and if these are deviated from, it will be responded to in an appropriate manner,” the statement added.