Base defenses

[LeafyVegetable]

Hi, I have been out of game a while, and will probably not be back for quite some time due to RL commitments :crazy:. However, I would like to know just how strong normal NPC base defenses are, or is camping outside a hostile base for hours still completely viable? Also, regarding player base weapon platforms, just how powerful are they? Back when I played a while back, NPCs were pretty much just an annoyance, but the difficulty considerably ramps up with battleships. Essentially, the only ships I needed to look out for were caps and guard faction ships. Just want to know if the situation has changed.
I for one would like a more realistic and living universe but understand it is not up to my discretion. Thanks!