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."
SA completely made sweden redundant air wise first and even more so with other nations. SA is definitely the most loved subnation and imo one of the best examples of a good subnation but it didn’t need to add air since the UK had most of that covered. Grind wise thoigh its great. India negates grinding france because of the Rafale and also gives players access to the SU-30 which negates Russia. Its annoying that i bothered grinding Russia for the Su’s 2aiting for the Su-30 and its now very likely i can just get a better Su-30 on the UK. Again it’s a difficult system to add because if we dont add Indian vehicles because the UK doesn’t need them, that choice essentially alienates the people who are fans of that nation. Its a can of worms but im tired of people saying the UK air isn’t treated fairly.