Norway went with the F-35A some time ago[1] to replace our F-16s, and we got the first planes in 2015. Since then we've gotten a fair bit of experience with it, including join exercises[2] as well as developing a landing system for our arctic climate[3]. Denmark has also gone for the F-35A[4], and recently got its first planes.

If Finland joins NATO, it makes sense to combine air forces[5] in Scandinavia, in which case I can imagine there's a lot of benefits from having the same airplane as one of the other members. Obviously that w as not a direct consideration back when the decision was made, but surely some of the people involved were eyeing close cooperation in Scandinavia if shit hit the fan.

Regardless, I imagine Finland has had a chat with the Norwegian Air Force about the plane, which feedback should be highly relevant given the similarities between the countries. So far from what I've read the Norwegian Air Force seems quite happy with the F-35.

[1]: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/f-35/f-35-glob...

[2]: https://www.tu.no/artikler/norske-flygere-har-for-forste-gan...

[3]: https://www.ffi.no/aktuelt/podkaster/16-slik-har-ffi-forsket...

[4]: https://www.f35.com/f35/global-enterprise/denmark.html

[5]: https://www.nrk.no/trondelag/luftfartssjefen-vil-ha-felles-n...