You are of course correct, but see it from Norway's perspective: They're looking to replace their aging fleet of F16's. Their goal was air defence; to shoot dow

You are of course correct, but see it from Norway's perspective: They're looking to replace their aging fleet of F16's. Their goal was air defence; to shoot down incoming threats. The Fighting Falcon's really excel at that. By purchasing the F35 Norway is forced to take a more aggressive and preemptive stance. That might not be in Norway's best interest given it small size and comparably small, though technologically advanced, army.