Trying To Build Defense Stations That Engage Hostiles In Range

While I do have patrols/escorts going around to help me deal with Khaak and pirates, I find that they often require more interaction from me to actually deal with the situation. What I'd like is a station that can engage S/M class ships within range (and L too would be nice, as I've seen L class pirate ships on occasion). In other words not the "don't attack unless attacked" usual behavior.

I have verified in my ship that turrets are there, and have the settings for "attack all enemies" on the turrets in station loadout settings. Also ensured that each turret had a turret loadout. Made sure the defense modules didn't have anything blocking their firing path. Even then I've watched hostile pirate ships and Khaak walk past a station and it doesn't do anything. I've seen the AI have this kind of behavior on their stations so I feel like it should be possible.