Factorio Forums

There should be an entity that picks repair packs from belt or chest and repairs adjacent entities. Would be great if it reaches 2 tiles all around itself but directional approach will be good enough as well.

Turrets are good self sustaining defensive structure up until spitters show up. After this point it is all about running around and repairing them not to loose ammo and turret itself.
Usually you do not have technology or resources to run big enough logistic network to cover those outskirts.

See also:
1. Repair tower - https://forums.factorio.com/forum/vie ... =6&t=13906
2. Repair inserter - https://forums.factorio.com/forum/vie ... f=6&t=8122

I see no problem with providing far-away bases with repair packs.
What really helps is the fact that you can set filters on cargo wagons just like in your toolbar.