Combat system question: (Fearless Blue)

Situation: One of my offensive ground units attacks a ground target somewhere and I DO NOT have air superiority. When the other sides def helicopters counter attack will it take offensive anti air, defensive anti air, or neither to damage them back? I know I can attack air units outright w/ off Anti air missile batteries, but If my ground unit starts the fight, and hele's counter automatically, Im thinking neither would respond... 1.) I didnt attack Air units so off anti's are out. 2.) My unit is "the attacker" so def units shouldnt kick in either. Has anyone noticed what happens in this situation?

Anytime you attack, the def of the enemy will respond first. Any weapons that is in range and able to respond will do so. You prolly need to get the air d down first, before you attack. Make sure you attack with units that will make the def heli's and interceptors respond. Also, attack defense first till all is clear.

Tactically yes, kill the air 1st. But, game mechanics wise if I do not, will the Def heli's be counter-counter attacked by any weapons I tote along in my off unit?

No