Crossword Genius

Protects some military hardware (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shields

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'protects' is the definition.
(shielding is a kind of protecting)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shields that I've seen before include "Protects or hides from danger" , "Escutcheons" , "More than one buckler, maybe" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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