whats the deal with REM fighters?

i just did this mission where the e mail promised they would give me a REM fighter. i did it but didnt get anything. i can trade for it but its pretty steep: 7x station components. thats a lot so i’m wondering what exactly is the point of the REM fighter? what can it do that a patcom can’t? (other than getting killed real easy) is there a special feature i’m missing? can you get it to fly on autopilot or act as a wingman instead of having to control it leaving your own ship open to attacks?