the way i play is that the attacker is the one who just placed the units into the seazone, but i’m not really sure what the official rules say.
no - placing new units is well after the attack phase. Basically the battle begins on the sub-owner’s next attack phase - unless he moves it out of combat into another combat. If the sub is there until the factory owner’s next attack phase, THEN they attack it
or so i believe.
The German subs cannot submerge before combat has begun. The subs must endure one round of attack and then those that remain have to option of defending or submerging.
You know what? I found the 3rd edition rules for the A&A CD-ROM game. It answers my question. It seems only defending subs can submerge. And, if they surface to find enemy naval units, they must fight on your next turn…for at least one round of firing. So, I finally understand. Submerging is meant for defending against air attacks! Thanks anyway!