The central defensive effect is disruption rather than the victory tally. Fighters force attacking aircraft to maneuver, defend themselves, and abandon a carefully timed approach. A concentrated raid or missile salvo can overwhelm a ship's defenses. Attacks arriving in fits and starts instead give maneuver, guns, and other defensive layers repeated chances to respond.
Notable Point · 2:19:37-2:20:34
Air defense succeeds by disrupting concentration
Fighters can save a fleet by forcing attackers into scattered, poorly coordinated runs even when few aircraft are destroyed.