Keith,
as long as we are discussing fighter planes. Which US fighter do you think is a better interceptor and air superiority fighter?
Norway is to buy new fighters soon, to replace or aging F-16s. What we need is an interceptor which is fast and has long legs. It is down to the SAAB JAS, Eurofighter and the Joint strike fighter. Personally, I think the MIG-29 or SU-27 would be better alternatives.
Out of operational US fighter types, the F-22 Raptor.
As far as what would make the best interceptor for Norway - the true answer for that comes down to more than just the outright performance of the plane, and have largely to do with the other requirements for supporting and operating the fleet. Maintenance schedules, spare parts deals, runway and facility requirements, repair capabilities, and export approval all factor in. Or it requires a nice smooth long runway to take off with ordinance and the requirements state less than that (highways, unimproved or damaged airstrips, forward deployment areas). The best peforming airplane isn't always the best choice.
For those reasons I'd say either the JAS, Eurofighter, or JSF (now F-35 Lightning II?) as you mentioned are probably better choices for the role. Which one is chosen will likely be a result of politics and support deals.
