So I have a problem with a certain kind of mission for the UAF - disrupting industry.
The biggest obstacle is, in the case of a mission I am doing right now, that this is a fully upgraded High Tech base with multiple fleets around it. It's an Epta Consortium base and I turned the transponder off so I don't get a huge hit to relations.
Frontal attack is really hard so my question is. Are there alternatives or a way to lure away the enemy fleets?
I have a few ideas in mind but is anyone able to confirm which of those are sound?
1. Using a consumable item that pings enemy fleets. I used it earlier but it didn't seem to work on fleets that were patrolling the orbit. Am I doing it wrong?
2. Requesting a fleet and sending it on a mission to attack the enemy base. supposedly to weaken it or maybe join the battle to have some cannon fodder in front? Will it be seen as an act of war though?
3. Sending and operative to do, well, whatever? It's only today that I learned about operatives and I used one to infiltrate the Luddic cell so I haven't delved deep enough into the subject. Would an operative help when the mission is on a 120 days or 240 days timer?
Also:
4. I turned off the transponder and for some reason the defending fleets aren't catching the bait. It usually worked - I would fly past the fleets, they would start chasing me and then I would turn around and hit the base when they are still far away.
5. Going Dark isn't feasible because the sensor profile is still too big - even after getting rid of all but two ships. Although maybe I am doing this wrong too.
Anyone with experience could shed some light?
(PS: is there a Dark Theme for the forum? It's 2022)