no bro only if u patrol the aircraft nope but they simply wont attk and stay at ground taking hits as specified by game and their level

I dont know, so i may be wrong, but didn't i read somewhere that when they are grounded at an airbase, they will defend that place against air attacks ?

I think I read somewhere that planes on carriers do defend but have never been in that situation myself.

So to be complete:

Patrolling vs air attacks = Use both defensive and offensive stats vs enemy defensive and offensive stats.
Patrolling vs ground/naval attacks on carrier/airport = use only offensive stats vs enemy defensive stats.

Grounded vs air attacks = ? ( i suppose use defensive stats vs air only)
Grounded vs land attacks = ? (I suppose = do nothing since it doesnt have defensive stats vs ground)
On carrier vs air attacks = ? ( i suppose use defensive stats vs air only)
On carrier vs ship attacks = ? (I suppose = do nothing since it doesnt have defensive stats vs ground)


If that is correct, it may be interesting to note that when numbers are relatively large. Your large number of airplanes in a single stack using only their defensive stats vs air attacks would be functioning optimally vs an enemy who uses the common 5+5 stacks to attack you. If your planes were patrolling themselves, either in 5+5 groups or all together, your active and knowlegable opponent could abuse them by using the correct patrol-delay tactics either way.

Not sure I understand all that but I should clarify regarding 'on ground' planes.

Aircraft that isn't refueling is displayed as if on the ground but the game treats them as if in the air (they will defend air attacks) but not patrolling (no 15m tick). In melee battles they have full hit points and can counter-attack, taking damage from return fire of ground units. When all supporting ground units killed, battle ends, province is captured and planes reduced to convoys. Attacker may need to manually attack the convoy - it's not automatic.

Carriers defend, but unlike all other ships, they don’t have any range. That makes them vuknerabke to all other ships. The only way to defend carriers is with the planes on them. If there are no planes on them, then move them constantly.

Or just put them in a stack with battleships + destroyers ?

Yes, put them in a stack, they are the same speed as battleship so it is perfect and you won't be losing any time.