Throughout the decades there have been numerous technological advances in air-to-air combat systems. The most advanced systems today can distinguish between real and fake aircraft. They are also able to detect heat signatures and heat of the target. Torpedo tracking is also possible. But, this is just one part of the arsenal.
The F-15 was an air-to-air aircraft, but was soon converted to an air-to-ground capability. The F-16 followed, and then came the F-18. Each of these aircraft is designed with the capabilities to be operational today. Each aircraft has its unique issues and some are still being resolved. These include the Raptor's handicapped datalinking and the F-35's gigantic radar. The F-35 was built with the future 30-50 years of air-to-air warfare technology in mind. Camera systems on the F-35 are computationally difficult and have been included into the design of the airframe. This is due to the mounting weight and routing strength required.
The first supersonic planes had all-moving propellers and third generation turbojet engines. They were equipped with radar gunsights, search systems, and turbojet engines. The AI SS-N-22 Sunburn SSM missile, which was first to allow active search mode, allowed the aircraft to launch in the opposite direction from incoming missiles.
The F-5 was an air-to-air multirole aircraft with mixed-gun AAM armament and stability augmentation. It was also equipped with infrared sensors and terrain-following radar. It also had variable geometry wings and a headsup display. A terrain-following radar enabled the F-5 to track low-level targets and engage them at high speed. F-5 also featured the fourth-generation F-5 engine. It featured variable geometry wings, canards, and variable geometry.
The GEN-III AN/AVS-6 sensor is five-times more sensitive and can sense targets between 400-900nm. It also features a visual tracking mode that allows the aircraft to visually track a target. This mode allows the aircraft, with its radar pointed at the target, to launch its missile.
Chinese Kuznetsov's CV included an FCR countermeasure as an additional weapon. This countermeasure was used for countering the AAM anti-missile defense system (F-18). The CY-I Subroc was also added to the Song SSK. The Chinese Song SSK was broken into Song SSK & Song Mod SSK. Chinese Kuznetsov CV also included a local FCR-jammer countermeasure.
The F-104 was all about speed, but the Navy was on the right track. It was designed to be able to strike at high altitudes. However, it failed to perform well in Korea. The Navy couldn't rely on the F-15 for tactical airsupport. While the F-15 was a fighter jet that many people expected, it was also a practical aircraft.
The interplay of technology and doctrine is what makes air-to-air combat possible. The USAF learned how to provide tactical air support for troops during World War 2. Tactical air support was forgotten by the USAF after WW2. When it came time to engage the Soviets with missiles, the USAF shat all over tactical air support.