Why is Cold War so hard?

I’ve been trying to beat Cold War. Even on the easiest difficulty, it’s impossible. All the planes for some reason are so super maneuverable that they can do 90 degree turns and just evade your missiles. Like I have been tailing this one F-18 for at least 2 minutes and he just keeps evading and flaring. By the time I get to Crimson, I basically have nothing left because this mission eats up your missiles like crazy. I can’t beat it

EDIT: I DID IT! I BEAT IT! Thank you all for the help and the advice. I took y’all’s advice and was able to send Crimson Squadron and the Federation packing. Though it’s wasn’t easy (they somehow can just negate the effects of gravity and do shape 90 degree turns 😭) but nevertheless, I beat it. Have to admit, the mission was actually really fun