When armed with an AD unit, it assists in defense against planes.

If a carrier is attacked, its fighter planes are considered defending in the air. A player can choose to take a fighter as a casualty instead of the carrier. Exception: submarine hits cannot be against planes, and therefore must be used against the carrier. If the carrier is sunk, the fighters continue until the battle is over, at which time they crash into the sea.

Newly purchased AD Guns and fighters can be placed directly on existing carriers.