OK, if I use HLC at R3 on my Tie Defender can the defending player use extra defence dice?

Range combat bonuses do not apply during secondary weapon attacks..

Rules reference page 16

No, range modifiers are only used for primary weapon attacks. Goes for both attack bonus at range 1 and defence bonus at range 3.

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Thanks for the quick response!

Though, your target still gets the bonus when the line of shooting is going through an obstacle.

Though, your target still gets the bonus when the line of shooting is going through an obstacle.

That's because that's a modifier for an obstructed attack, not range.

No now go and wreck face with thy defenders!!!