Defense Stations seem to be a bit underwhelming?

[Tallfellow]

So in this specific case a Battleship cost 1,3 minerals per strength upfront and have a maintenance of 0,006. Meanwhile, the fortress cost 0,7 upfront and 0,002 as maintenance.

Yeah, the fortress is definitively more cost effective.

Ofcourse, but they don't have any ability to project their force outside a system. So they are good at what they are designed for, but you'll have to have a good fleet to back them up in the later game. But they will help, and i'm looking forward to having them in my "important" systems to help defend those!

 

[Bragi]

According to the wiki, a fortress has around 8000 hp: http://www.stellariswiki.com/Defense_station