Yes, I'm pretty sure that they do have access to a good quantity of defense ships.
That's kind of represented by the 101st who undocked soon after the Colonials' arrival.
As far as I see this was still by the book. They came. They did damage. They pulled out before the numerous and strong defensive ships could vaporize them.
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<span style="color:#000000">All morons hate it when you call them a moron.