Let's be real - air war is terrible. Humans are sending troop transports (not even properly converted) to fight enemy craft with laughably superior firepower.
Most weapon are useless against stronger enemy craft, as you will die before getting into range. Hence, the "air war" is equipping the longest-range weapon, fireing once, then retreating. Boring.
To fix it:
a) All aircraft equipment slots are universal. Have 4 of them. You can equip 4 weapons or 2 weapons and 2 modules or 4 modules.
b) multiple aircraft can engage at once. Thus, one aircraft can distract for another with shorter range weapons to get in range.
c) ACTUAL fighters/interceptors. Not transports.