You need to research disruptor turrets as fast as possible when under level 25
Defensive Goals:
Level 0-24.9 on each base:
(2) of the best turret/base defence you can build based on your tech level
(2) of the second best turret/defence you can build based on your tech level
(1000) Fighters
Level 25-29.9 on each base:
(1) Planetary Ring
(1) Planetary Shield
(2) Disruptor Turret
(2) Ion Turrets
* (DISBAND all other turrets/defences (they waste population, energy and space)
(1) Dreadnought
Level 30-39.9 on each base:
(2) Planetary Ring
(2) Planetary Shield
(2) Disruptor Turrets
(2) Ion Turrets
(2) Dreadnought
Level 40 and up on each base:
(4) Planetary Ring
(3) Planetary Shield
(4) Disruptor Turrets
(4) Ion Turrets
(3) Dreadnought
Base Defense Guideline (not required, but suggested):
0-84 Econ: 2 Disruptor Turrets, 2-3 Disruptor Shields
85-114 Econ: 1 Planetary Ring, 1-2 Planetary Shield, 1 DN for ld trades
115-139 Econ: 2 Planetary Rings, 2-3 Planetary Shield, 2 DN for ld trades
140-164 Econ: 3 Planetary Rings, 3-4 Planetary Shields, 3 DN for ld trades
165+ Econ: 4 Planetary Rings, 4-5 Planetary Shields, 3 DN for ld trades
lvl 10+ Command center on all outposts, mimimum
Once Planetary Rings and Planetary Shields are constructed, remove the Disruptor Shields. You can use that area and energy for production.
you don't want any Fighters on a base once you can make dreadnoughts, as all they do is add profit for an attacker, unless you're stacking IT but that's just a waste of resources on a non-fortress base..
having Fighter's as a base defence *Max of 2000* during a war *and you are being invaded*, it would be smart to have them as it reduces your enemies total mobile Fighters and fighters win wars.
1 dread for each lvl of rings is all you need,use the fighter's you have for your mobile..