All units (except airplane ground convoys) have an inherent defense value against planes. Think of it like the soldiers shooting their guns at the attacking planes. They may not do much damage, but they will do some.

In every battle there is an X-factor that means an attack might do from zero to 100% of the listed damage. This is in addition to the effects of terrain, forts, and home defense. Most likely, that is around the most damage that the AC will do against the tac.

You can check the combat statistics of each unit either in the research menu or with the handy army info bar feature in 1.5 version games.

The rules of combat are fairly simple. Each unit can attack once per hour. ( plane direct attacks depend on refueling time). Attacks use the attacking stats. Close melee combat range is 5 klicks in any direction.

Each unit defends itself every single time it is attacked. Think of this as returning fire in response to incoming fire. This utilizes the defense stats.

Units can still launch an attack once per hour even if they are under attack.


So keep in mind that every time you launch an attack you will receive some damage in return. Check the stats of the target and check the stats of units within 5 klicks of the target as they will also be in the targeted area and will equally return fire.