The Norwegian Air Force in January 2022 became the first service in the world to completely convert its fighter fleet to operate fifth-generation aircraft, as its last fourth-generation F-16 jets were replaced by direct successors to the next-generation F-35A. Although the new aircraft provides significant performance advantages over its predecessors, including stealth capabilities, much more advanced sensors and avionics and access to a new generation of weaponry, the F-35's maintenance requirements are extremely high - with its operating costs far exceeding the program's initial commencement, which has repeatedly questioned its suitability to completely replace the F-16 fleet. After encountering initial problems with the F-35, including revelations that the plane collected sensitive data on Norwegian pilots and sent it back to the United States, Norway in particular struggled to operate its fleet with a shortage of maintenance personnel. problem. Remaining outside the European Union, Norway has long been one of the United States' key strategic partners in Europe, and reportedly played a key role in the joint operation with American forces to destroy the Nord Stream Pipeline in June 2022 aimed at cutting off Russian traffic. fossil fuels to other European countries.