No proof for an LAV 3 btw. You have boxer and Ajax.
CF-18 adds either a premium to the US, or a skin for a premium F/A-18A+ that can be used to make even more money on top of F/A-18A+. Or it can just not be added.
I disagree with the addition of 111C to UK, but that’s where the line should be drawn. Having Gripen, EFT, Su-30, Rafale is just as bad as having CF-18, Leopard 2, CR2, EFT, F/A-18E (Australian but iirc you also are fine with adding Australian stuff to UK, so just throwing that in there)
Other nations don’t have anything to fill that role either. There is no need to fill such a hole, especially not if it requires equipment that isn’t used by the main nation or its subtrees.
So as a fun ai play so don’t take this 100% but I asked it to find a candidate that would fit for that replacement.
"If you’re looking for a Canadian or Australian aircraft to replace the Harrier GR.5, you’ll want something that fits a similar role—preferably a ground-attack aircraft or a multirole fighter with good low-speed handling and close air support capabilities. Here are some options:
Canadian Options:
CF-116 (Canadair CF-5A/D Freedom Fighter)
A Canadian-built variant of the Northrop F-5, capable of ground attack.
Light, maneuverable, and equipped with bombs and rockets.
Not a direct replacement in terms of VTOL but works as a light strike aircraft.
CF-18 Hornet (CF-188A/B)
Canada’s primary multirole fighter, based on the F/A-18A/B.
Superior speed, agility, and weaponry compared to the Harrier.
Strong ground-attack capabilities with guided and unguided munitions.
Lacks VTOL but is a solid choice for a conventional replacement.
Australian Options:
Dassault Mirage IIIO
A licensed-built version of the Mirage III used by the RAAF.
Used for ground attack and interception roles.
More suited for high-speed strike than CAS, but still a good option.
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A/B Hornet
Used by the RAAF as a frontline multirole fighter.
Shares the same strengths as the CF-18.
Works well as a Harrier replacement in attack missions.
Aermacchi MB-326/BAe Hawk 127
Used as a trainer/light attack aircraft by Australia.
Not as heavily armed as the Harrier but useful for CAS.
Good for a lighter, more cost-effective ground-attack role.
Verdict:
If VTOL is essential, no direct replacement exists from Canada or Australia. However, for conventional multirole and CAS roles, the CF-18 (Canada) and F/A-18A Hornet (Australia) are the best substitutes, offering better speed, range, and firepower than the Harrier GR.5. If you want something lighter, the CF-116 Freedom Fighter or Mirage IIIO could work."
