it's replacing shields entirely as a custom right-click defence system. think templar skinshields but modular and cool. the gif shows a debug threat vector rotating through 360 degrees around the ship, the skinshield direction will actually track nearby hostile projectiles.
In this case I'd reverse my statement about it being subtle. Shields show quite clearly where your attack will be blocked. When you are looking at a hostile Lathe that is facing you and has the defence system turned on, you won't notice it due to the amount of surface area in this direction (or, well, the lack of it). Either way, need to touch it properly in order to actually understand it (temlars were already not around when I first came to Starsector).
Will this design choice change the faction's gameplay style? Part of me just does not want the "Jackhammer siege mode laser goes brr" to go away, but other than that, I really want to see what you'll come up with.
Happy new year by the way.