I would like to propose some of the following ideas for the unit "Provider"

1. increase attack range
2. option to turn auto engage off (at start of battle would not fly towards enemy and engage. only engage if fired at, an enemy comes into range, or you manually tell it to attack)


purpose, prevent them from getting killed if you allow the game to auto pilot your units. otherwise its the same every time 
Use Action point 1 - make providers retreat