Energy shielding

An energy shield is an instance of any protective technology that utilizes energy field-based means to deflect incoming damage. Energy shielding can be either passive (always on) or active (activated only upon imminent impact), and may be designed to deflect either projectile- or energy-based strikes, or both.

Electromagnetic impellers
An advanced type of non-explosive reactive armor also known as shock plates, or jolt plates. Developed during the mid-Covenant War based on old, long-mothballed designs, they use a targeted strong electrogmagnetic field to reduce the energy of incoming attacks. Scalable to starship scale.

Strike shielding
Battery-powered shields, fall after a few strikes and need a battery recharge or replacement to replenish. Becomes increasingly widespread over the 2560s.