Regarding the AI's

It doesn't spawn them, it moves it's own troops there.

I've had it happen even when the Provence is completely cut off from the rest of the Country. (Example Provence A is cut off from Country A by a Provence owned by Country B between them but somehow there's a entire army ready in a previously empty Provence A.)

You may not have been able to see the enemy, your units may not have a large enough view range.

Ah that makes much more sense. Well I guess I have the term Beginner engraved on my Account for a reason

Seth Andres wrote:

Ah that makes much more sense. Well I guess I have the term Beginner engraved on my Account for a reason

Use interceptors or armoured cars to scout out the enemy first.

You should scout. It could be that they've convoyed there or were hidden by a fortress. You could possibly were out of the sight range.

I like reconaissance in force.

A stack of 10 LT's works like a charm.

Armored cars are probably the fastest way to scout on ground, unless you have interceptors.

I've just said use Ints and armoured cars to scout out the province defenses.