If they got fixed/buff sure. But SHars with Aim-9Ls and radars are very hard to play at their respective BRs. With only Aim-9Gs and no potential future buffs, they’d basically be unplayable.
For example this is what the Harrier’s were like IRL when it comes to defeating missiles:
Sea Harrier Over the Falklands by Sharkey Ward
but in game IR signature is based upon thrust:
So basically Defending a missile in a Harrier is a pain in the butt due to game limiations. If that was fixed. Then sure, they could move up quite a lot.
the hunter and GR1 harrier are at 9.7 with only SRAAM and no flares. ww2 jets face late Korean war jets. complaining about imbalance in this game is like saying water is wet. we know