The F-15 still dominates the realm of aerial combat. Even so, its edge is diminishing. Other Russian and West European aircraft now in development will further challenge the US advantage early in the next century. Fortunately, a timely solution is available in the stealthy F-22 fighter, which the Air Force plans to be operating in 2005. For good reason, it is the Air Force's top force modernization priority.
Air superiority is a precondition for all other combat operations.
It has been more than 40 years since US forces on the ground had to worry about enemy air attack. Air superiority means not only freedom from attack but also freedom to attack. The most recent example was the Persian Gulf War, where Iraqi air forces and air defenses were unable to protect critical targets or stop coalition forces from operating at will. The F-22 program has gotten a generally favorable reception as it moved through Congress in engineering and manufacturing development status. This may be the year it gets controversial.