Turret

On Your Side
Turrets are small, perimeter-placed structures that can be added to any colony, up to a maximum of eight turrets. In early-game stages, they prove rather expensive at §16,000, but as the game progresses, they become invaluable defenses against any foe.

Turrets are multi-functional, entirely determined to defend their territory from any hostiles. A single turret wields:
 * A laser cannon that is held on a target, 'melting' down health.
 * A flak cannon which fares well against groups of larger fighters.
 * A large ballistic missile which will track targets with impressive accuracy and speed for a respectable time until it detonates or tears a hole in the target's hull.

If a colony is outfitted with a full compliment of eight turrets on it's perimeter, it becomes nearly invincible to all but the strongest weaponry or the largest swarms. (Note that The Grox have little trouble with these turrets, though this shouldn't be a surprise.)

On Their Side
Most empire Homeworld colonies boast a full compliment of 6-8 turrets, while other colonies may have from 0-4 turrets defending them. Choosing to attack a city defended by turrets will prove deadly, even with the strongest health and energy compliment, unless you're carrying a supply of Repair Packs or Energy Packs. Quickly flying over a city and dropping bombs will prove quicker, but at less accuracy and you may still take damage if the turrets fire their laser.

The most efficient strategy to destroying turrets is to arm your Pulse weapon, approach the colony slowly, and destroy the turrets at maximum range. The one turret you choose to attack may still fire on you, but it's better than all 8 unloading on you at once. A good pulse weapon should destroy one turret in 2-4 shots.