Types of Air Combat

Air combat can be broken into two broad categories: Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and Close In Combat (CIC).

Beyond Visual Range

Normally, engaging a target outside of about 15 miles would be considered a BVR fight. It can happen at much greater distances, but tactics and weapons will dictate the actual ranges at which the kill takes place.
The keys to success in the BVR environment lie in a fighter aircraft achieving first sight, first shot, and first kill. These keys require fighter aircraft to meet certain criteria. Firstly, exemplary communications and sensors (including secure and jam-resistant data links - to be first to seek out the enemy). Additionally, exceptional supersonic dash and manouevre capability (to be first to optimum AAM launch conditions), and a weapons suite with the operational "edge" (to ensure first kill). Finally, the aerodynamic capability to stay in the fight with retained advantage, should further fighting be necessary.
The technology exists today for reliable, accurate, and effective BVR combat. Missile and radar electronics are robust and lethal. The real problem comes with tactics, command and control, and positive identification. The most difficult of these is obviously one of identification.

Close in Combat

Take them down fast and hard, no matter the odds.
Superiority in a Close in Combat can depend on a pilot's experience and skill, and the agility of the fighter when flown at minimum air speeds approaching loss of control (causing a danger of stalling); the winner typically plays to the strengths of his own aircraft while forcing his adversary to fly at a design disadvantage. Close in Combats are generally contests fought at low airspeeds, while maintaining enough energy for violent acrobatic maneuvering, as pilots attempt to remain within air speeds with a maximum turn rate and minimum turn radius: the so-called "corner speed" that often lies between 300 and 400 Knots depending on the aircraft's design. Features like vertical scanning radar mode and (or) infrared detection system, boresight scanning radar and (or) infrared detection system, helmet-mounted sight radar and (or) infrared detection system, missile seeker, Expanded field of view (EFOV) display, super maneuverability are required in an aircraft for this type of combat. A fighter can evade a missile by abrupt maximum-performance turns and employing countermeasures—such as Chaff or Flare —provided he can detect the missile via a Radar warning receiver (RWR) or visually.