Canadian Red Ensign and to replace the neglected Quebec blue ensign. The Grand Union Flag was the "de facto" first U.S. naval ensign. The nautical equivalent is a naval ensign. The Japanese naval ensign also influenced other flag designs. The Indian Naval ensign first flew in Antarctica in 1981. Also, a naval war ensign used these colours. It was inspired by the American flag and the British Red Ensign. It is also known as the merchant ensign or merchant flag. Private pleasure craft can fly either the Red Ensign or the Australian National Flag. The flag is also used as the state ensign. Several military banners of Japan are based on the "Hinomaru", including the sunrayed naval ensign. The square-cut Swedish state flag is identical to the civil ensign. The Romanian Navy equivalent of "ensign" is "aspirant". This variant is used on the national ensign (') or state flag.