An electrostatic barrier, also known as an electrostatic shield, functioned as a primary defensive measure on warships belonging to various civilizations from the Unknown Regions until the conclusion of the Clone Wars. A notable example includes Chiss Defense Force warships like the Springhawk, but the Paataatus Hiveborn and the Nikardun Destiny also utilized these barriers. The Grysk Hegemony's vessels were known to employ them as well.
Following the attack on the Paataatus, Ufsa'mak'ro oversaw inspections of the Springhawk's electrostatic barrier. Although serving a similar purpose to the shields used by the Galactic Republic, electrostatic barriers offered significantly less protection. This deficiency prompted Mitth'raw'nuruodo to seek a "Republic energy shield" for his people during his mission to Batuu amidst the Clone Wars. During the battle over Primea, Nikardun General Yiv the Benevolent launched an assault on Thrawn's Springhawk, anticipating that the cruiser would only possess an electrostatic barrier. However, the Springhawk had been equipped with a far superior Republic energy shield, which played a crucial role in the Chiss Ascendancy's victory and the end of the Nikardun conquests.
Both the Whetstone and the Anvil, which are Kilji war cruisers, were equipped with electrostatic barriers. Kilji picket cruiser also incorporated this technology.
The concept of electrostatic barriers was first introduced in the 2019 novel Thrawn: Treason, authored by Timothy Zahn.